Last week Roscoe Parrish expressed disappointment and frustration in not being utilized more on offense come the regular season. In practice Wednesday Parrish however, was the standout performer as he made some big plays in the passing game.
Parrish, who was filling the slot role for an absent Josh Reed, got off to a fast start with a big 40-yard gainer along the right sideline as he got separation late from Donte Whitner in 11-on-11.
In 7-on-7, Parrish caught a pair of passes during the first team series, and then caught two more as he rotated back in with the third unit.
The receiver's biggest play came late in practice when he got behind the secondary and Ryan Fitzpatrick dropped a 40-yard pass over his shoulder for a 65-yard touchdown play.
Five plays later he capped the day with his seventh catch of the workout on a deep sideline route.
"He's one of best slot receivers we have," said Trent Edwards. "It's just a matter of putting him in a position to win and putting him in a position where he's comfortable and he understands what he's supposed to do. And that comes with practice, that comes with getting him his reps in practice, and then actually performing in the game.
"He's one of the most exciting guys on our team, so we need to find a way to get the ball in his hands, and I'm working with Turk (Schonert), I'm working with Alex (Van Pelt) to try to come up with ways we can do that. That's definitely a weapon we need to take advantage of."
HighlightsIn addition to Parrish there were a few other offensive gems.
Dominic Rhodes was shifty after catching a pass out of the backfield as he got away from his cover man and got to the end zone in 7-on-7 red zone work.
Justin Jenkins beat his man in coverage and pulled in a fade pass for a touchdown in the back of the end zone on a well thrown ball by Gibran Hamdan.
Terrell Owens had a big gainer deep over the middle during 11-on-11 team work.
"I think we're getting some good work in and everybody is working hard," said Owens. "For me we've got a lot of signals and code words so I have to be on top of my game and I think every day I'm improving in that area."
Steve Johnson had a good run after the catch play deep down the far sideline that he took for a touchdown. He was also to hold onto to a touchdown pass from Hamdan in heavy traffic later in practice.
But the prettiest offensive play goes to Lee Evans, who pulled in a fade pass from Trent Edwards despite the fact that Drayton Florence tipped the pass, and Evans still got both feet inbounds just before going over the sideline.
Defensively, Florence had a PBU in 11-on-11 work.
Aaron Maybin got around the corner to get a 'would be' sack on Hamdan, or at the very least a QB pressure.
Paul Posluszny snared a Trent Edwards pass for an interception that was intended for Derek Schouman.
Defensive tackle Marcus Smith batted down a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass at the line of scrimmage.
Rookie cornerback Ellis Lankster had a pass breakup as he dropped off his cover assignment to make a play on the ball.
And Reggie Corner prevented a 40-50 yard pass play when he raked the ball out of Terrell Owens hands on a deep post.
Working their way back
Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee are not full go yet, but they're on their way back. Both were participating in individual position drills in practice on Wednesday.
Also coming along is James Hardy. The receiver was working with trainers on the sidelines Wednesday and actually did some light cutting off his surgically repaired knee. Hardy is almost five months removed from surgery on his ACL.
Notable rolesKyle Ward got first team nickel reps outside when Corner moved into the slot.
Dominic Rhodes got almost all of the second team reps at running back with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson rotating in and out with the first unit.
Rookies Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster continue to see work at corner with the second unit.
Fifth-round pick Nic Harris is still getting reps with the second unit at linebacker as well.
Defensive tackle Marcus Smith has been rotating in with the second unit as he relieves veteran Spencer Johnson.
With Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee still sidelined, Roscoe Parrish and Dominic Rhodes handled kick returns in practice.
In and out
Not participating Wednesday were John DiGiorgio, James Hardy, C.J. Hawthorne, P.K. Sam, Jonathan Scott and Ashton Youboty.
Not in attendance were Shawn Nelson, Josh Reed and Aaron Schobel.
