On the day before training camp begins, the Redskins already face a potential injury problem.
Third-year player Malcolm Kelly, vying for the No. 2 wide receiver position, recently suffered a hamstring injury and might sit out practice Thursday at Redskins Park, according to people familiar with the situation. The injury occurred while Kelly participated in quarterback Donovan McNabb's "Hell Week" that began July 19.
McNabb, as he did during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, invited some of his new teammates to his Phoenix-area home for a week of grueling workouts and team building. Wideouts Devin Thomas, Santana Moss and Kelly were among those expected to participate.
Kelly experienced tightness in his hamstring during one of the workouts, the sources said. He immediately contacted the Redskins' medical/training staff for guidance. The Redskins plan to proceed cautiously with Kelly, who worked hard to overcome knee problems and microfracture surgery after his rookie season. Coach Mike Shanahan is expected to address Kelly's situation after the first practice Thursday.
Although the injury is not considered serious, the team would rather have Kelly rest and receive treatment than try to participate in the early stages of camp. Hamstring injuries can linger, especially when players rush back before they are completely healed.
In 2009, Kelly began the season as the starter opposite top wideout Santana Moss, but Thomas, also beginning his third year, eventually moved ahead of Kelly. Privately, members of the former coaching staff expressed frustration with Kelly's route-running.
Kelly has quickly formed a bond with new wideouts coach Keenan McCardell, a former longtime NFL receiver and Redskins player, who has helped the former Oklahoma standout improve that key aspect of his performance.
After missing most of his rookie season because of his knee problems, Kelly played in all 16 games last season, including 10 starts, and had 25 receptions for 347 yards (a 13.9-yard average). In a season-ending loss to the San Diego Chargers, Kelly and former Jason Campbell teamed on an 84-yard reception.
Kelly is among a small group of Redskins who have guaranteed money on the books for this season. On April 1, Kelly received a $391,000 bonus check. His base salary of $470,000 is not guaranteed.
Third-year player Malcolm Kelly, vying for the No. 2 wide receiver position, recently suffered a hamstring injury and might sit out practice Thursday at Redskins Park, according to people familiar with the situation. The injury occurred while Kelly participated in quarterback Donovan McNabb's "Hell Week" that began July 19.
McNabb, as he did during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, invited some of his new teammates to his Phoenix-area home for a week of grueling workouts and team building. Wideouts Devin Thomas, Santana Moss and Kelly were among those expected to participate.
Kelly experienced tightness in his hamstring during one of the workouts, the sources said. He immediately contacted the Redskins' medical/training staff for guidance. The Redskins plan to proceed cautiously with Kelly, who worked hard to overcome knee problems and microfracture surgery after his rookie season. Coach Mike Shanahan is expected to address Kelly's situation after the first practice Thursday.
Although the injury is not considered serious, the team would rather have Kelly rest and receive treatment than try to participate in the early stages of camp. Hamstring injuries can linger, especially when players rush back before they are completely healed.
In 2009, Kelly began the season as the starter opposite top wideout Santana Moss, but Thomas, also beginning his third year, eventually moved ahead of Kelly. Privately, members of the former coaching staff expressed frustration with Kelly's route-running.
Kelly has quickly formed a bond with new wideouts coach Keenan McCardell, a former longtime NFL receiver and Redskins player, who has helped the former Oklahoma standout improve that key aspect of his performance.
After missing most of his rookie season because of his knee problems, Kelly played in all 16 games last season, including 10 starts, and had 25 receptions for 347 yards (a 13.9-yard average). In a season-ending loss to the San Diego Chargers, Kelly and former Jason Campbell teamed on an 84-yard reception.
Kelly is among a small group of Redskins who have guaranteed money on the books for this season. On April 1, Kelly received a $391,000 bonus check. His base salary of $470,000 is not guaranteed.