Jay Gruden Redskins Presser: Chris Thompson, Jordan Reed, and Samaje Perine OUT vs Broncos

Jay Gruden gsve a brief presser after today's shortened practice that didn't include pads. Several players won't be suiting up, part of the team's plan for Jordan Reed and Chris Thompson who are returning from injuries. Samaje Perine also won't play Friday night. but should be ready to play in the last preseason game vs the Ravens.

Playing vs Broncos:

OUT vs Broncos:

Samaje Perine:

Evaluating Adrian Peterson:

“I think you [can] tell by the whole body of work that he has put on throughout his career. I think the big thing you try to see on the first seven [to] eight carries is getting out of the huddle, having the plays register in his mind, how quickly he can adapt to our audibles and all that goes into an offensive game plan. So, trying to give him a feel for the quarterback, snap count, our linemen, our blocking schemes, but as far as viewing him as a player, and what he can do, I think the most important thing is just in the system what he can do.”

Vernon Davis limited role with a healthy Jordan Reed?:

"Not really. Vernon has been just a perfect guy to coach really. He’s never complained, never said boo. He just comes out, does what he’s asked and does it 100 miles an hour. There’s been some coaching we’ve had to do with him as far as transition into our terminology and some learning for him, but for the most part, he just goes out and plays. He loves football and loves to be coached and loves to practice. He hasn’t missed one practice -- knock on wood -- so he’s never been an issue as far as that is concerned.”

Alex Smith's leadership:

"It’s been positive. There’s been nothing negative, obviously, so he’s just a quality teammate. He’s a veteran guy that brings veteran leadership naturally that comes natural to him. It’s nothing that is forced by him. The players all respond to him. He communicates well with the rookie free agents equally as well as he does with the veteran players on this football team. So, a very [good] guy, easy to like, very well likable guy, easy to like, easy to play with and a very good, obviously, leader and teammate.”

Pernell McPhee:

"He’s doing [well]. He missed about three or four days there, a couple nagging things that we just had to rest him a few times, but for the most part, he’s doing [well]. He has come in and he’s one of the natural leaders also. A veteran guy that’s come in and worked extremely hard [and] communicates the defense well. He’s a fit. You know, he can play outside linebacker, he can move inside in nickel situations, so we’re just getting the feel for what he’s best at, the best place to put him. Right now, he’s obviously behind Preston [Smith] and Ryan Kerrigan but also we could use him in third-down in different areas. But he’s done a great job.”

Another pass rush option:

"Yeah, it’s good. It’s good. The good thing also is, you know, with Jonathan [Allen] and, obviously, Daron [Payne] and when Matt [Ioannidis] gets back we have some interior pass rush already. It’s not necessary but it’s also good to have different packages and get those guys some rest. Bring in Pernell [McPhee] maybe that can stand up and do some different things at the three-technique. We have options there on third-down, which are good.”