Kicking things up a notch

July 30, 2010 7:56 AM by Dan Kolko View Comments

The first practice of training camp came three days ago, but in many ways, this morning marks the actual start of camp.

The rookies, quarterbacks and injured veterans have now been joined by the rest of their teammates, and the shorts and shells will be tossed aside in favor of full pads for this morning's session.

The crowds of around 1,000 people that we saw on Tuesday and Wednesday will be grow to probably about five times that amount, which should also help add to the atmosphere.

Anyone heading out to Westminster today?

On Wednesday, Fabian Washington said that he was "really close" to being able to return to practice.

He wasn't kidding.

Washington was taken off the PUP list yesterday, meaning anyone that shows up to this morning's session in Owings Mills will be able to watch the cornerback in action.

"It really felt good running around with the guys again. The knee feels great," Washington tweeted last night.

The Steelers made a move to bolster their offensive line yesterday, signing former Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams to a two-year contract.

The Adams signing was necessary because Pittsburgh lost its starting right tackle, Willie Colon, to a torn Achilles back in June.

Adams will give the Steelers some much needed experience at tackle, but he could also give them quite a few headaches. At times, he's been a penalty waiting to happen, whether it's for a false start, a hold, or a trip.

Yes, a trip. Giants defensive end Justin Tuck can tell you all about that.

Speaking of the Giants, former Ravens wide receiver David Tyree has signed a one-day contract with the G-Men, allowing him to retire with the team.

Tyree signed with the Ravens last October and played 12 total games for Baltimore in a special teams role.

I will forever remember Tyree's remarkable Super Bowl catch...and this great ESPYs skit mocking the grab.

That's good stuff.