ASHBURN – The Redskins hoped rookie Chase Minnifield would remain the only casualty during training camp this year, when Washington placed him on IR earlier this week. But unfortunately the ‘storm cloud’ from 2011 must have GPS, as it tracked down the ‘Skins in Ashburn. Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times reported Thursday that veteran right tackle Jammal Brown became the second victim to fall for the ‘Skins in the first week of training camp. Brown’s reoccurring hip problem hampered his ability to practice, therefore Washington placed the OL on the PUP list.

According to the Times’ article, Shanahan said he remains hopeful Brown will soon return.

“I think it’s really hard for him. He’s been working extremely hard to get in football shape. He is in excellent shape,” said Shanahan regarding Brown’s off-season work ethic. “He’s got a setback. We’ll get a chance for the doctors to look at it and see how it is.”

Robert Griffin III is counting on a consistently solid and healthy offensive line to keep the ‘bad guys’ away this season, but Brown’s absence does no good in reassuring the rookie QB. Now, rookie Tom Compton must step in and prove to both his coaches and teammates he was indeed a steal in the sixth round. The 6-foot-five, 314-pound tackle out of South Dakota has been praised for his run-blocking talent, yet some scouting reports question his ability to keep pace with speedy pass rushers – plenty of which exist in the NFC East.

At just two days in and two players down, Unfortunately the new indoor bubble in Ashburn has failed to bring a change in luck so far… but hope remains high. Hail ‘Skins.

-Todd C. Smith

You can follow Todd Smith on Twitter @tcsmitty