Here is what you need to know on this Friday, July 27, 36 days before the Washington Redskins cut their roster to 53 on September 2.

Timeline

The Redskins last played a game 207 days ago; they will open the 2017 season against the Eagles at FedEx Field in 45 days.

Today’s schedule: Walkthrough 10:35; Josh Norman press conference 11:30; Jay Gruden press conference 2:45; Practice 3:00; players available after both practices.

Days until:



—Preseason opener @ Ravens (8/10) 13

—Preseason vs. Packers at FedEx Field (8/19) 22

—Sunday night Raiders @ Redskins (9/24) 58

Hot topics from Redskins camp

RICHMOND—Some news and notes from around Redskins training camp.

—Don’t look now but Joey Mbu is the starting nose tackle for your Washington Redskins. To be sure, being first-string at a position on the first day of camp when he was on the practice squad last year doesn’t mean he’s a lock to start Week 1. But it’s a better spot to be in than second- or third-team. At this point it’s something to keep an eye on. We’ll have to see what happens when they put the pads on Monday.

—Preston Smith dropped about seven pounds during the offseason. He went from a guy who looked like he had nearly zero fat on his body to looking like he has even less. The third-year OLB said that he stopped eating fried foods, baked goods, and other such tasty delights. Smith said that he hopes to be quicker after going from about 269 at the end of last season to about 262.

—I wouldn’t look for Jordan Reed to be back anytime real soon. In one answer at his press conference on Thursday, he said that it should be “about a week or so” before they get him on the field. But then in answer to another question Gruden said, “We will be extra cautious with Jordan.” A week does not seem to be “extra cautious.” The Redskins are off a week from today before having a single practice on Saturday, August 5. Although Reed may be activated by then it seems unlikely that he will be putting in any full-go work until after they get back from their first preseason game. In short, think later rather than sooner when it comes to Reed returning to action.

—E.J. Bibbs, signed to give the Redskins some additional tight end depth with Reed on the shelf, has just one NFL catch for seven yards. He’s the ultimate long shot to make the roster but he does appear to have practice squad eligibility so it’s certainly worth his while to come in and see what kind of impression he can make.

—Kirk Cousins says that it will take some more practice to adjust to throwing the ball to his taller receivers, Josh Doctson and Terrelle Pryor. “Height is an advantage if you can use it to your advantage, I guess,” he said. “You know, you’ve got to be able to put the ball in the right spot where your guy can catch it, and he’s got to be able to adjust to the football and make those tough catches at a high point. So, that’s what the reps in practice are all about is developing that rapport.” We haven’t seen much high-pointing the ball either in the offseason practices or in yesterday’s practice. But we can assume that it’s coming.

Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page Facebook.com/TandlerCSN and follow him on Twitter @Rich_TandlerCSN.

Tandler on Twitter

Gruden: Despite Cousins uncertainty beyond this year, he will get all of the starter reps. — Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) July 27, 2017

In case you missed it