Commanders RT Andrew Wylie discusses change the coaching staff made for training camp

Training camp is grueling for NFL players. Every July, 90 players on 32 teams report during the hottest part of the year, and while there is a lot of excitement when camp begins, the heat quickly wears you out.

The Washington Commanders reported to training camp last week and practiced three days before receiving Saturday off. The Commanders hit the practice field again on Sunday.

Dan Quinn has brought many changes with him to Washington. One of those changes is popular with his players, particularly at this time of the year.

Right tackle Andrew Wylie spoke to reporters after Friday’s practice and said that for the first time in his NFL career, coaches have a recovery day on the players’ schedule.

“The schedule has gone a long way,” Wylie said. “We got a great schedule this year for camp. There is a specific time period of the day cut out for us to get some recovery. That goes a long way. Everyone is getting right.”

Wylie explained this is new, not just for Washington.

“Yeah, it’s a big impact. This is my eighth training camp, and this is the first time that a recovery period has been on the schedule. It goes a long way, especially with a lot of the veteran players getting that work that they need.”

Add this to the many positive changes that Washington’s new regime, from owner Josh Harris down to the coaching staff, has made that benefit the players.

The Commanders beefed up the training staff in the offseason as it was considered among the worst in the NFL. That will no longer be the case.

The hope is that players can avoid some of the nagging muscle injuries that often linger when they’ve been pushed too hard.