Hall makes a bold statement and Lauvao returns from injury

Day four of training camp and the second one in pads saw key players return from injury and veteran safety DeAngelo Hall sharing his thoughts on the newly built Redskins secondary.

Guard Shawn Lauvao returned from the physically unable to perform list and practiced for the first time this training camp, bolstering an already improving Redskins offensive line.

“We’re fired up to see ol’ Shawny out there again,” Head Coach Jay  Gruden said.

Rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson is making progress, but is still not on the practice field. Doctson, who was doing some work off to the side, made a leaping catch and came down on his Achilles showing no sign of pain. Right now, it looks like the coaching staff is just being precautionary with Doctson but there is still no timetable to his return.

“I don’t have any timeline really, or update. He’s [Doctson] still in the rehab position and he’s trying to get it stronger and we’re taking it slow, but I don’t have any idea as of now,” Gruden said.

DeAngelo Hall, talking to the media after this morning’s walkthrough, gave a statement that raised some eyebrows. When asked about the talent in the Redskins’ secondary, Hall didn’t hold back in his answer.

“Just watching guys compete and battle, there’s no doubt in my mind this is the most talented group that I’ve ever been around, I’ve ever been a part of,” Hall said.

Strong words coming from a guy, who was with the Oakland Raiders when they had Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Stanford Routt, Chris Johnson, Tyvon Branch, and himself in the secondary.

But Hall may have a point. With the signings of Josh Norman and David Bruton Jr., drafting cornerback Kendall Fuller and safety Su’a Cravens and the continued improvement of cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland and Quinton Dunbar, the secondary has improved from top to bottom and now has multiple players who can play multiple positions.

“Any time you you’ve got multiple guys who can do multiple things and play multiple positions, it gives you an advantage. Any time you can mix it up and give offenses that little bit of something to think about, it’s always good for a defense,” Hall said.

Other notes from Day 4 of training camp:

• Cornerback Greg Toler continues to impress coaches so far this training camp
• Ricky Jean Francois continues to be a spark plug for the Skins’ defensive line
• Breeland intercepted Kirk Cousins with a nice leaping grab during redzone drills that got the fans on their feet
• Running backs Chris Thompson and Matt Jones split 1^st team reps today