Training Camp Tracker

By Katie Carrera

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF

37

Days until the Redskins host the Dolphins on Sept. 9

at FedEx Field.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

When: Open practice, 10 a.m.

Where: Redskins Park, Ashburn.

Admission, Parking: Free.

Updates:703-726-7411.

SUMMER STORY LINES

Linebackers

After each of Khary Campbell's three seasons with the Redskins, the team has drafted two linebackers. So he's quite familiar with the ritual of summer competition. Campbell, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2002, is one of 10 linebackers at camp along with rookies Dallas Sartz, a fifth-round pick, and sixth-rounder H.B. Blades. And although Campbell is happy helping the young upstarts get their bearings, he admits to feeling a little threatened by their presence. But he uses that as motivation. "Things aren't going to line up like they do in a classroom, so I try to help [the rookies] out if they have any questions with the plays or drills," said Campbell, who led the Redskins in special teams tackles the past two seasons. "I feel threatened because they're out here hungry like I am. I have to. But it's the difference between feeling that they're going to take my spot or me just being motivated."

Both Sartz and Blades have missed practices because of injuries and neither is too keen on the idea of falling behind. "There's nothing worse than not being out there," said Blades, who returned to practice Wednesday. "Just to prove to them that I can play and prove to them that I belong here."

FRESH FACE

Pete Schmitt is listed as a fullback on the Redskins' training camp roster, but his new coaches don't want him to forget too much about the position he played for four years at Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater. Each time running backs coach Earnest Byner or tight ends coach Rennie Simmons passes him by, "They'll always say, 'Go look at that tight end stuff,' " said Schmitt, who is recovering from a bruised left shoulder. "They keep telling me, 'Look at those tight end things.' All through OTAs and minicamp, too. I took a few reps at tight end here and there so I want to keep working on it."

At 6 feet 3 and 252 pounds, Schmitt is the same height and three pounds heavier than tight end Chris Cooley, and the move could increase his chances of earning a spot. Schmitt never has played fullback before, but if he takes to the position and with Nehemiah Broughton on injured reserve, he could challenge for the backup spot there as well.

QUOTABLE

"Antwaan has little ears; he's got to get some bigger ears so he can hear."

QB Jason Campbell, responding to WR Antwaan Randle El's complaints about his play-calling diction

INJURY REPORT

WR Santana Moss practiced yesterday while the team kept an eye on his groin and hip problems. . . . WR Brandon Lloyd missed most of practice (shin splints). . . . OL Jason Fabini sat out (groin). . . . RB Clinton Portis (right knee) did well with strengthening work, according to Bubba Tyer, director of sports medicine. . . . Tyer said the Redskins will evaluate Sartz (hamstring) today to determine his availability for tomorrow's scrimmage. . . . LT Chris Samuels (right knee), WR Mike Espy (bruised left knee), Schmitt (bruised left shoulder), TE Tyler Ecker (groin) and WR Carl Berman (hamstring) sat out.

NEXT UP

Scrimmage

at Baltimore Ravens

Noon, tomorrow.

M&T Bank Stadium.

TV: MASN.