Team Notes week 1 2016

By Bob Harris
Bob Harris<

NEWS, NOTES, RUMORS AND OTHER GOOD STUFF

Directly from the desk of FlashUpdate Editor Bob Harris. The good; the bad; and yes. ... Even the Bears. There is no better way to jump start your weekend than browsing these always educational -- often irreverent -- team-by-team, Fantasy-specific offerings. ...
Access specific teams by clicking on a team name in the schedule appearing directly to your left or by clicking on a helmet below; return to the helmets by hitting the link labeled "Menu" following each teams notes. ...

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Arizona Cardinals

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune
RBs: James Conner, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado
WRs: Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal
TEs: Trey McBride, Geoff Swaim

Atlanta Falcons

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder, Logan Woodside
RBs: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
WRs: Drake London, Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge, Van Jefferson, Scott Miller, Jared Bernhardt, Josh Ali
TEs: Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, MyCole Pruitt, John FitzPatrick

Baltimore Ravens

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Josh Johnson
RBs: Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon, J.K. Dobbins, Keaton Mitchell
WRs: Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace
TEs: Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Mark Andrews

Buffalo Bills

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Josh Allen
RBs: James Cook, Latavius Murray, Ty Johnson
WRs: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Khalil Shakir, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty
TEs: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin Morris

Carolina Panthers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
RBs: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear
WRs: Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, D.J. Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Mike Strachan
TEs: Tommy Tremble, Stephen Sullivan, Ian Thomas, Hayden Hurst

Chicago Bears

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent, Nathan Peterman
RBs: Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Khari Blasingame
WRs: D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr., Trent Taylor, Equanimeous St. Brown
TEs: Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Jake Tonges

Cincinnati Bengals

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jake Browning, Joe Burrow
RBs: Joe Mixon, Chase Brown, Chris Evans, Trayveon Williams
WRs: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Trenton Irwin, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones
TEs: Irv Smith Jr., Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, Mitchell Wilcox

Cleveland Browns

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Deshaun Watson
RBs: Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, Pierre Strong Jr., Nick Chubb
WRs: Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, Marquise Goodwin, David Bell
TEs: David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Harrison Bryant

Dallas Cowboys

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Trey Lance
RBs: Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke
WRs: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks
TEs: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Peyton Hendershot

Denver Broncos

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham
RBs: Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine
WRs: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims Jr., Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Brandon Johnson
TEs: Adam Trautman, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich

Detroit Lions

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
RBs: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Zonovan Knight
WRs: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Jameson Williams, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green
TEs: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell

Green Bay Packers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jordan Love, Sean Clifford
RBs: Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Patrick Taylor
WRs: Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Samori Toure, Malik Heath
TEs: Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, Josiah Deguara, Luke Musgrave

Houston Texans

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: C.J. Stroud, Case Keenum, Davis Mills
RBs: Devin Singletary, Dameon Pierce, Mike Boone, Dare Ogunbowale
WRs: Nico Collins, Noah Brown, Robert Woods, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell
TEs: Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan

Indianapolis Colts

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger, Kellen Mond, Anthony Richardson
RBs: Zack Moss, Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
WRs: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Isaiah McKenzie, D.J. Montgomery
TEs: Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Andrew Ogletree, Jelani Woods

Jacksonville Jaguars

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard, Nathan Rourke
RBs: Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson
WRs: Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, Parker Washington, Tim Jones, Jamal Agnew, Christian Kirk
TEs: Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Elijah Cooks

Kansas City Chiefs

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert
RBs: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
WRs: Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Richie James, Justyn Ross, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman
TEs: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell, Jody Fortson

Los Angeles Rams

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Matthew Stafford, Carson Wentz, Stetson Bennett
RBs: Kyren Williams, Royce Freeman, Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers
WRs: Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Demarcus Robinson
TEs: Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long, Davis Allen

Miami Dolphins

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson
RBs: Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed, Christopher Brooks
WRs: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, Chase Claypool, River Cracraft
TEs: Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, Tyler Kroft

Minnesota Vikings

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs, Kirk Cousins
RBs: Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, C.J. Ham, Kene Nwangwu, Cam Akers
WRs: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor
TEs: Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, T.J. Hockenson

New England Patriots

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Bailey Zappe, Mac Jones
RBs: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, JaMycal Hasty
WRs: DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Matt Slater, Kendrick Bourne
TEs: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Pharaoh Brown

New Orleans Saints

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Haener
RBs: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller
WRs: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood, Lynn Bowden, Michael Thomas
TEs: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, Jimmy Graham

New York Giants

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Tommy DeVito, Tyrod Taylor, Daniel Jones
RBs: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, Eric Gray
WRs: Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard
TEs: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, Chris Myarick

New York Jets

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, Aaron Rodgers
RBs: Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook, Israel Abanikanda
WRs: Garrett Wilson, Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Charles Irvin
TEs: Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, C.J. Uzomah, Kenny Yeboah

Oakland Raiders

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Aidan O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer
RBs: Josh Jacobs, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden
WRs: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Hunter Renfrow, DeAndre Carter, Kristian Wilkerson
TEs: Michael Mayer, Austin Hooper, Jesper Horsted

Philadelphia Eagles

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee
RBs: D'Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Rashaad Penny
WRs: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Julio Jones, Olamide Zaccheaus, Quez Watkins
TEs: Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Albert Okwuegbunam

Pittsburgh Steelers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett
RBs: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr.
WRs: George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin
TEs: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

San Diego Chargers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Easton Stick, Justin Herbert
RBs: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson
WRs: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Jalen Guyton, Derius Davis, Mike Williams
TEs: Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Stone Smartt

San Francisco 49ers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Brandon Allen
RBs: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Kyle Juszczyk
WRs: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud, Ronnie Bell, Danny Gray
TEs: George Kittle, Charlie Woerner, Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley, Cameron Latu

Seattle Seahawks

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Geno Smith, Drew Lock
RBs: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, DeeJay Dallas, Kenny McIntosh
WRs: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo, Cody Thompson, Dareke Young
TEs: Noah Fant, Will Dissly, Colby Parkinson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
RBs: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker, Ke'Shawn Vaughn
WRs: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Kaylon Geiger, Deven Thompkins, Rakim Jarrett, Russell Gage
TEs: Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham

Tennessee Titans

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Will Levis, Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
RBs: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
WRs: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook_Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Colton Dowell, Chris Moore
TEs: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Trevon Wesco

Washington Redskins

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 7 September 2016

According to Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno, sometime before the Redskins open the season, head coach Jay Gruden may pull out the tape of a first-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers to remind players new and old of what went wrong.

"It's something we all learned from, we're all sick about still," Gruden said. "If you're a competitor and you lose at home in the playoffs, it's something that you'll never forget."

The Redskins don't forget the end, and skeptics remember that the team went winless against winning teams last season but still captured the NFC East. Washington isn't any less likely to win the division this season, especially after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's injury, yet players still believe they have plenty to prove.

"We've got to show that it wasn't just a one-hit wonder thing last year," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. "We've got to show that we can be a consistent winning franchise."

Back-to-back playoff appearances would go a long way toward illustrating that the Redskins are at least building toward consistency. But remaining atop the division will be more of a challenge facing a first-place schedule than it was last year with a last-place schedule.

Still, the Redskins may be better on paper than in 2015 with Kirk Cousins in his second year as starting quarterback, many of the same receivers to throw to and a defense bolstered by the signing of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. Continuity has replaced distractions and strong drafts have stockpiled usable talent.

"The job that the front office has done will continually add depth to this team and continually add playmakers and cornerstones to this team," four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said. "The confidence just comes along with it. We know we're a talented bunch, but at the same time we know that you can't win a game on paper. Our plan is to go out and prove it on Sundays."

Five Sundays — and Thanksgiving — against the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants could make the difference. Norman signed a $75 million, five-year deal to face the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr., after Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense last season.

Cornerback-turned-safety DeAngelo Hall called this secondary "the best group I've ever been around," counting the Oakland Raiders' 2008 group that featured Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Cousins' throwing targets of tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are back, too.

And there's certainly no shortage of motivation for Jackson and Garcon, each in the final year of his contract. Garcon was with the Indianapolis Colts when they were a perennial playoff team and went to a Super Bowl, so he knows it takes more than hunger and desire to win consistently and prove doubters wrong.

"We're putting the pieces together to head in that direction, but we've got a lot of things to work on," Garcon said. "Indy wasn't Indy all in one year. It takes time, just like New England takes time. ... You just have to keep the pieces together and keep them working."

They'll need a fast start. That won't be easy.

After opening at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, the Redskins still have to visit the reigning NFC West-champion Arizona Cardinals and AFC North-champion Cincinnati Bengals and host the NFC-champion Carolina Panthers and NFC North-champion Minnesota Vikings. Six games against playoff teams, including a rematch against Green Bay, will test Washington all season.

But they have a QB with something to play for beyond the wins.

Cousins was at his best when he was in prove-it mode in college and finds himself in a similar position as the Redskins' new franchise quarterback. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Cousins sat behind Robert Griffin III before winning the starting job a year ago. Cousins is unquestionably No. 1 but didn't get the long-term deal he wanted.

Cousins is playing this season with the franchise tag — which means a "pretty good raise" to $19.95 million — and said he isn't lying awake at night worrying about his future. Instead, he's focused on the next step of becoming more consistent and earning a contract and elite status in the NFL.

"I had a four-year deal as a rookie, but it didn't feel like a four-year deal — it felt like a one-day deal every single day I was here," Cousins said. "I don't think things have changed a whole lot in that regard. I've got to go out there and prove myself each and every game of every season. When you do that, I think the rest will take care of itself."

Others believe in Cousins as well.

ESPN.com's John Keim predicts that Cousins will become the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for at least 29 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Keim also believes Cousins throw more than the 11 interceptions he did last season. But with excellent weapons around him, Cousins will have plenty of chances to look good. Beware big plays on first down play-action throws.

Meanwhile, Matt Jones wore a yellow non-contact jersey at Monday morning's practice as a precaution for the starting running back's separated left shoulder, though he was not happy about wearing it.

Jones is adamant that he will be ready Monday night when Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

"They gave me this yellow jersey today just to be a little cautious," Jones said. "But next practice I'll be out here full go. I feel great about everything — pass blocking, taking a hit, giving a hit. I'm just ready to be back out there."

Jones was on the field after practice holding a blocking pad while teammate Chris Thompson repeatedly smacked into the pad. It was the first time Jones had joined his teammates on the practice field since sustaining a slight separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder during an Aug. 19 preseason game against the New York Jets.

The team is optimistic enough that Jones can play in the Steelers game that it kept just three running backs on the roster after Saturday's initial cuts. Thompson and undrafted rookie free agent Robert Kelley were the others, while second-year player Mack Brown was cut and signed to the practice squad.

"That's the intent right now," Gruden said of Jones playing against the Steelers. "We're just bringing him along. It's going to be interesting to see how he does Wednesday and Thursday. ... That will tell a lot."

Jones was practicing without the yellow jersey on Wednesday. Expect him to play. ...

The Redskins also welcomed back rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson, who practiced Sunday for the first time since organized team activities on May 25 and was in shoulder pads for the first time Monday. A sore left Achilles tendon has bothered Doctson all offseason.

Washington's first-round pick in 2016, No. 22 overall, Doctson was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, but his status for the Steelers game remains in doubt.

"I'm not going to step foot on (the field) Monday night, put the uniform on, run out there and get myself embarrassed," Doctson said. "We've got guys who are going to get it done. If somebody gets tired I'm going to go in there and help out. That's my position now."

Gruden said Doctson went through individual drills on Monday and did some team drills, too. He also went through individual drills Wednesday. But the coach also wasn't ready to say Doctson will be active against Pittsburgh. His Achilles tendon didn't respond after a month off between minicamp ending in mid-June and training camp beginning in late July.

Trepidation remains that Doctson could suffer a setback.

"The big thing is the more we push him, we've got to see how he recovers the next day," Gruden said. "Tuesday will be a big day for him. They're off, but we'll see how he's doing and push him again Wednesday and see where he's at both physically and mentally. Then we'll make a decision later in the week."

DEPTH CHART
QBs: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett
RBs: Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez
WRs: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, Byron Pringle, Mitchell Tinsley
TEs: Logan Thomas, Cole Turner, John Bates