Training Camp Tracker

By Katie Carrera

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF

33

Days until the Redskins host the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 9

at FedEx Field.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

Today's practice is closed to the public.

SUMMER STORY LINES {vbar}Proving His Worth

The Redskins might be down to four quarterbacks, but Jordan Palmer is realistic. He admits it's virtually impossible for him to compete against veteran Todd Collins for the third-string spot. Collins "does absolutely everything right," Palmer said. But Palmer still wants to prove he's worth keeping. "I still have a sense of urgency," he said. "I feel like I want to play right now, and I feel like I need to get better at certain things." In practice his strong arm is apparent, but his passes misfire regularly, and he's open about acclimating to a different offense than the one he knew so well after four years at Texas-El Paso.

"I had a real simple offense in college," Palmer said. "I knew it like the back of my hand, so I'm really starting from scratch, and they're changing up some fundamentals, things I got lazy on in college."

Palmer passed for a touchdown in Saturday's scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens despite not taking many snaps. After hearing from some friends who play for the Ravens that his little brother did okay, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer called with some advice. "Do it again. It's fine to do it once, but you need to do it twice," Jordan Palmer said.

FRESH FACE

Saturday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans could be significant for rookie running back Marcus Mason. With veterans Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts bothered by injuries, it's unlikely either will play much. That means an opportunity for the Bethesda native who attended Georgetown Prep, where he became the all-time leading rusher in Maryland high school history with 5,700 yards. Mason (5 feet 9, 215 pounds) broke two runs longer than 10 yards in last week's scrimmage against the Ravens and has been able to do everything coaches have asked, though the challenges are intensifying. He sees himself as a third-down back or a contributor on special teams. "But there's a lot of backs out here right now," Mason said. "A lot of veterans, so I'm going to have to make my own chances on special teams."

INJURY REPORT

G Will Whitticker sat out with a high right ankle sprain and is scheduled for an MRI exam today. . . . RB Ladell Betts jammed his neck during a blitz pickup, and head of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said he'll be X-rayed as a precaution. . . . FB Mike Sellers was bothered by a bone bruise on his knee in yesterday's afternoon practice but should be fine. . . . T Jason Fabini (groin) is day-to-day. . . . LB Dallas Sartz has returned to full activities. . . . WR Mike Espy took part in practice but is not 100 percent. . . . FB-TE Pete Schmitt is back from his bruised shoulder. . . . T Chris Samuels (right MCL strain), RB Clinton Portis (right knee tendinitis), WR Brandon Lloyd (shin splits), TE Tyler Ecker (groin), WR Carl Berman (hamstring) and CB Jerametrius Butler (hamstring) did not practice.

QUOTABLE

"I think I'm being coachable as far as the vets messing with me."

Rookie QB Jordan Palmer, on listening to Mark Brunell's instructions to grow a handle-bar mustache and buzz off his once longer hair.

NEXT UP

Exhibition Opener

at Tennessee Titans

When:8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: LP Field, Nashville.

TV: NFL Network, WJLA-7.