Live from Redskins OTAs: Kirk Cousins works with new targets; Jonathan Allen starts on third defense – Washington Post

The Washington Redskins ramped things up a bit Tuesday as they held the first of three voluntary practice sessions slated for this week. Wednesday represents the second day of work, and things will wrap up for this week on Thursday.

Below are live updates from The Posts reporters watching the practice at Redskins Park, as well as Mike Joness five key areas to watch while the media gets its first chance to put eyes on the team. Refresh regularly for updates.

Live Updates

Practice is underway, and Kirk Cousins is already getting acclimated with his new receivers, Josh Doctson (who missed almost all of last season with Achilles injuries) and free agent signee Terrelle Pryor, who took over No. 11 from the departed DeSean Jackson.

And there were some reminders about the difference in QB caliber that separates Cousins from others.

Some players, including several recovering from injury, are working in a group away from the field.

The running backs are one of the main groups facing offseason intrigue, which added another element with the absence of Matt Jones, who began the 2016 as the Redskins starter only to be displaced by Rob Kelley. The team added Samaje Perine in the NFL draft.

Another big question for the offseason: How will the defense come together under Greg Manusky and where will the team introduce its rookies, including early draft picks Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson? An early look Wednesday had Allen working on the third defensive line unit during 11-on-11 drills. That is not expected to last long, however.

The new coaches are getting acclimated with their players as well, including defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.

And of course OTAs are a time to experiment with some new ideas not all of them good.

FiveAreas to Watch

With the Redskins practicingin this fashion for each of the next three weeks, and then June 13-15 is blocked out for the mandatory three-day minicamp,here are five areas well be monitoring Wednesdayand beyond.

1. The draft picksTop rookie Jonathan Allen and his fellow draft picks received their introduction to life as a Redskin during the rookie minicamp two weeks ago, and this week they take the field along with the veterans for the first time.Allen is expected to start at defensive end. Meanwhile, second-round pick Ryan Anderson will eventually compete with veteran Preston Smith, among others, for the starting left outside linebacker position, and fourth-rounder Samaje Perine will challenge Rob Kelley for time at running back.These position battles wont start right away, however. First, the rookies have much to learn. This week will help indicate just how much.

[With careers shorter, NFL teams ask: What can rookies do for me now?]

2.Free agent additionsTeam officials worked to upgrade their defense this offseason, adding two new starters in linemen Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain, another potential starter in inside linebacker Zach Brown, and another in safety D.J. Swearinger. Meanwhile, the offense also features a key free agent addition in wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. Wednesday representsour first glimpses at the new piecesas they begin acclimating themselves to their roles.

3. Healthy returnsThe Redskins have a number of veterans coming back from season-ending injuries, and none comes with more intrigue than wide receiver Josh Doctson. The 2016 first-round pick missed all but two games last season because of mysterious Achilles tendon injuries that doctors never found a cause for. But now, hes full go, according to Coach Jay Gruden, and hell fight for a key role alongside Pryor and Jamison Crowder. Meanwhile, 2016 second-round pick Sua Cravens is healthy after missing the final three games with an elbow strain, and he returns in a new role: strong safety. Additionally, outside linebacker Junior Galette attempts a second comeback from a torn Achilles tendon, and safety DeAngelo Hall returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Its not clear where exactly Galette, Hall and some of their other teammates stand in their recoveries.

[Jordan Reed, Trent Williams absent from Redskins first voluntary workouts]

4.Kirk CousinsDespite the lack of a long-term deal, Kirk Cousins remains committed to leading this team. He has held workouts with his receivers away from Redskins Park, and now that offseason practices have begun, the goal is to position himself to have another career year. There will be challenges. The entire offensive line returns, but gone are top receiving threats Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. Well see how Cousins and his revamped supporting cast look, and how much work they have ahead of them.

5. Revamped coaching staffGone is Sean McVay, who directed productive offensive attacks the last two years, and Joe Barry, whose defense struggled mightily the last two campaigns. (McVay is now head coach of the L.A. Rams, and he took Barry with him to coach the linebackers and serve as assistant head coach). Gruden promoted quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh to offensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator. Despite new pieces on offense, schemes arent expected to change drastically, and Gruden will handle play-calling duties. However, Manusky will change the approach of the defense and make it tougher.Along with the coordinators, the Redskins also have some other new assistants including defensive line coach, quarterbacks coach, defensive backs coach, assistant offensive line coach, outside linebackers coach and quality control assistants. Itll be an adjustment period for everyone, but Gruden has confidence that the changes will spark improvement.

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Live from Redskins OTAs: Kirk Cousins works with new targets; Jonathan Allen starts on third defense - Washington Post