Washington Redskins’ safety Tanard Jackson starts practice, ready to compete for starting spot
After starting the offseason training camp under physically unable to perform (PUP) list, safety Tanard Jackson had his first practice on Friday, August 03, 2012.
Jackson has been going through a rehabilitation process after getting a calf injury for the first time in his career.
Although he was cleared to start practice on Sunday, he did not participate in the first three days of training camp which started on Monday.
This was due to the provision in the collective bargaining agreement that restricts returning players from attending the first day of the camp while it also prohibits pads and hits in the following two days.
Jackson meanwhile is not much worried about such delays. He seems satisfied with his rehab. He said:
"Right from the bottom, that’s how I like it. Obviously I missed three full days of camp and I’m behind, but I like working that way anyway. The calf injury was the first time in my career. But they wouldn’t put me out there if they didn’t think that I’d
be able to do it."
After the injury-plagued 2011 season that kept him out for most of the games, Jackson was released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
Jackson was signed by Redskins as a free agent in April. He started his practice with second team defence. Brandon Meriweather and Madieu Williams are still practising as a starter for the safety position.
Jackson is very happy to be heading back to the field after a gap of considerable time. He said:
"I'm just happy to be out there, getting my legs back under me. You know, first day out, felt good to be back out there.”
He looks to be very positive about getting a roster spot. He said:
“There are plenty of opportunities for me to compete. So I think it’s an equal chance for all of us.”
It is certain that Jackson will take his time to adjust in the 3-4 system applied by Redskins. Yet, head coach Mike Shanahan was quite satisfied with the progress of Jackson.
As the preseason games come closer and closer, Jackson will have to be more effective and productive in the practice sessions in order to have any chance of getting the starting spot.
Tags: