Here is what you need to know on this Monday, June 17, 38 days before Redskins start training camp.
Williams will be happy to comply with pad rule
NFL players are going to get a little bit more protection from injury starting this season as a provision that requires players to wear thigh and knee pads during games takes effect. As with many safety measures (see the running back leading with the helmet rule), some players have expressed opposition.
“I’m definitely not wearing pads,” Browns receiver Greg Little said to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “It’s just a swag thing. If you don’t feel good, you’re not gonna play good.”
The thing is, if Little doesn’t wear the pads he won’t be able to play at all. Failure to wear the proper pads is not like wearing the wrong socks, which is punished with a fine. Game officials will check the players for compliance with the pad rule and a player who is in violation will not be permitted to take the field.
One Redskins player who is unlikely to resist the change is Trent Williams. As usual, he wasn’t wearing thigh pads when he took the field against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Early in the game he suffered a deep thigh bruise that a pad would easily have prevented. Williams had one of his worst games of the season in Dallas and the injury hampered him to an extent for the rest of the season. He started wearing thigh pads the next game and, obviously, he will continue to do so.
Players looking forward to Richmond camp
In case you missed it
- Minnifield eyeing a roster spot
- Tanard Jackson will be welcomed back “with open arms”
- The Week That Was: The grass is greener at FedEx Field
Days until: Training camp starts 38; Monday night preseason vs. Steelers 63; Redskins @ Packers 90
