ASHBURN — The Commanders opened a mandatory minicamp Tuesday with a full house. Every Washington player took the practice field in Ashburn for coach Dan Quinn, while some other teams around the NFL opened the practice session minus a few notable stars.
The New York Jets boasted the most noteworthy absence, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed the team’s first mandatory workout. Jets coach Robert Saleh noted that the four-time MVP had a previously scheduled event that was “very important to him.”
The fourth-year coach said Rodgers’ absence was still unexcused — the quarterback is subject to a $101,000 fine.
Edge rusher Haason Riddick, who the Jets added in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, was also absent. The two-time Pro Bowler is entering the final deal of his contract.
Dallas was without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as the Cowboys practiced in Frisco, Texas. Lamb, who led the league in receptions last season, is on the hunt for a new deal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
San Francisco receiver Brandon Aiyuk is in a similar boat. The 49ers’ 2020 first-round pick is looking for a new contract to avoid playing on the $14.1 million fifth-year option, according to multiple reports.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reset the market for pass-catchers this offseason when he signed a four-year, $140 million contract last week.
Multiple reports have noted that Aiyuk and Lamb, who were selected alongside Jefferson in the 2020 NFL draft, are holding out for similar deals.
Players who miss the mandatory minicamp are subject to fines for every day they miss.
While other teams missed some top players, every healthy Commander took the field for practice on Tuesday. The turnout didn’t surprise players and coaches in the building — the entire roster attended voluntary workouts last month.
“The skill work that goes into it, this time of year, that’s what we’re after … Seeing those guys learn the system,” Quinn said before practice. “So now, when we do get to camp, we can really apply what we’ve learned and build that connection.”
After working together for four weeks, several players noted that the “mandatory” nature of the minicamp hasn’t changed anything. They have already bought in.
“Yes, it’s mandatory minicamp. But to us, for me, it’s just another opportunity to come out here and build that ball right now before our season, before training camp,” linebacker Frankie Luvu, who joined the team this offseason, said after practice. “They paying us money to do it so might as well just come out and do it.”
The Commanders had one of the NFL’s busiest offseasons. In his first full offseason, owner Josh Harris hired Quinn and general manager Adam Peters to lead the franchise into the future.
The revamped coaching staff welcomes two dozen free-agent acquisitions, including Luvu, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and guard Nick Allegretti.
“The players, the coaches, they’ve absolutely nailed this offseason,” Quinn said Tuesday. “We really try to push one another to new spots and connect better and I think we’ve seen that.”
The new coaches, including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, have worked closely with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick from this year’s NFL draft.
The 23-year-old has hit the ground running.
“This guy came in with really excellent football characteristics in terms of command in the huddle and vision to go,” Quinn said about the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. “There was a lot of work put in from the studying spot. So I’d say not only do the physical traits show up, it’s the work ethic … It goes a long way.”
That work ethic allowed Daniels to work with the starters during 11-on-11 drills Tuesday. The dual-threat quarterback showed off his speed with a few designed runs and escaped the pocket when pass-rushers closed in.
This week’s practices are still limited — players aren’t wearing pads and contact is heavily restricted. Veterans said this period is still important as they find a rhythm.
“There’s a really good feeling in the locker room. Guys are excited to be here. OTAs aren’t the most fun part of the season, anyone will attest to that, but guys are taking advantage of it. …” Allegretti said. “We don’t have pads on, but we’re humming. We’re getting a lot done, communication-wise.”
The minicamp, which ends Thursday, is the final organized event for the Commanders before their summer break. Players will have several weeks off before reconvening for training camp in late July.
“The breaks, they’re important because our times together in the NFL are very intense,” Quinn said. “So you go forward as hard as you can, max that out, take a break. Ready? Let’s come do it again.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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