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Redskins fans crazy about RG3

ASHBURN, Va. The loud ovation as Robert Griffin III walked from the Washington Redskins’ practice facility down to the field is something he’s gotten used to. It was just a bit louder on Saturday.

The rookie quarterback, taken No. 2 overall in the NFL draft in April, smiled and waved to the announced crowd of 24,650 gathered at Redskins Park for the team’s Fan Appreciation Day.

The chant of “RG3! RG3!” sprung up on four occasions, and fans snapped pictures and clamored for his autograph throughout the four-hour program.

At one point, a wooden barricade meant to keep fans from the field broke, and only a tarp with advertisements of team sponsors prevented it from coming apart completely.

“This is a top pick in the draft and a Heisman-winning quarterback,” said Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who approved the March 10 trade that sent three first-round selections and a second-rounder to St. Louis in order to move up four spots to take Griffin. “It’s a big deal for everyone and for Redskins Nation.”

Saturday’s practice marked the 10th day of training camp, but for many, it was the first opportunity to see the new face of the franchise in action. He drew oohs and aahs from the crowd – a good proportion of which was wearing some type of Griffin apparel.

Around the league

Cleveland: Linebacker Chris Gocong is likely out for the season after injuring his right Achilles tendon. A Browns spokesman said Gocong could have the surgery as soon as Monday.

Dallas: Rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne, who missed offseason workouts while recovering from wrist surgery, could now miss a week or more with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Claiborne, the sixth overall pick in the draft, was injured in practice Wednesday.

Miami: Punter Brandon Fields has agreed to a four-year contract extension. Fields’ agent said the deal is worth $13 million and includes $3.3 million in guaranteed money.

St. Louis: The Rams’ 2 1/2-hour practice provided an announced crowd of 12,753 fans an opportunity to watch the Rams under first-year coach Jeff Fisher.

The biggest cheers came when kickers Garrett Lindholm and rookie Greg Zuerlein had what came off as an impromptu competition. Each got six kicks starting at 39-yard attempts and each made the first four distances. Zuerlein added a 59-yarder and just missed to the left from 64 yards.

Tennessee: Center Eugene Amano will miss the season with a torn triceps muscle in his right arm. Amano started the past two seasons. He was injured in Thursday night’s practice when hit by a helmet while blocking on a pass attempt. He will have surgery next week.

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