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News & Notes: Williams Remains Unsigned

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One day before the start of Redskins training camp, rookie offensive tackle Trent Williams remains unsigned.

Williams could miss the Redskins' first practice, scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m., if he does not have a rookie contract in place.

Williams was the Redskins' first-round draft pick (fourth overall) in last April's NFL Draft.

As of Wednesday afternoon, only one of the 32 first-round draft picks – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dex Bryant, selected 24th overall – had agreed to terms on a rookie contract.

Head coach Mike Shanahan said he would be "surprised" if Williams were to miss significant time in training camp due to his contract situation.

"I don't think it's unusual for guys not to be signed yet," Shanahan said on Wednesday. "Our organization has been very fair, and very fair to draft choices. There's always that market value that people are trying to figure out."

Complicating matters is the fact that Williams is slated to start at left tackle on the Redskins' revamped offensive line.

Simply put, Williams needs as many reps as he can get to be fully prepared for the start of the season.

"The quicker he gets in, the better off he's going to be – for all of us," Shanahan said.

Following the Redskins' last mini-camp in June, Williams told reporters that he hoped to be at training camp on time.

He said he did not anticipate a lengthy training camp holdout.

"Obviously I want to be here," Williams said. "They have me working with the first group, so I really can't afford to miss any practice time."

Last year, Redskins top draft pick Brian Orakpo missed one day of training camp before signing his rookie deal. In 2007, top draft pick LaRon Landry missed three days of training camp.


-- LANDRY, JARMON READY

LaRon Landry and Jeremy Jarmon, both coming off injuries, are scheduled to participate in the Redskins' first training camp practice.

Landry had surgery on his toe last month, while Jarmon was coming off knee ligament surgery last November.

Landry is expected to play closer to the line of scrimmage, in more of a strong safety role, in the new Redskins defense.

Jarmon plans to work his way into a role on defense after missing all off-season practices. He is listed as an outside linebacker this year after entering the league as a defensive end.


-- WESTBROOK STILL A POSSIBILITY

The Redskins remain interested in signing free agent running back Brian Westbrook.

Westbrook, who starred for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2002-09 and earned two Pro Bowl berths, has spoken with several teams but has not made a decision on his 2010 home yet.

"The door has not closed on Westbrook thus far," Mike Shanahan said. "We talked about having a third-down back. He's very talented."

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