A couple of NFL referees made an appearance at the Washington Commander's practice in the bubble on Thursday. Some non-gameday face time with officials presented a tantalizing prospect for Charles Leno Jr.  

When asked what he was trying to learn from refs at practice today, the tackle joked, "How can I get away with more of those [holding penalties]?"  

And while the referees weren't there for that kind of info, they were there for educational purposes.  

"I've stressed to the coaches and the players that because they are here, let's take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and point out things," said head coach Ron Rivera.  

Mental reps stood out as a main theme of the one-hour, walkthrough session. The Commanders spent Thursday recovering their bodies, enjoying some much-needed work with massage therapists, chiropractors and training room staff after back-to-back high-intensity days in the heat and in pads for the first time.  

Though the day was lighter physically, that didn't mean the guys got a day off from getting better. Spending time with the refs serves to sharpen the other key components of the craft. The officials in attendance, including veteran NFL referee Roy Ellison, assisted Washington's special teams in a two-minute drill, offering insight into actual game scenarios they had experienced.   

Rivera hopes that these precious chunks of time with the refs can help different position groups understand what situations lend themselves to certain calls.     

"We'll have the umpire and the back judge, hopefully explaining what they're looking for in holding," Rivera said. "We'll have the side judges explain to them what they're looking for in coverage, for offensive pass interference, defensive pass interference, all those little types of things. So, it is a good opportunity for us to learn from the referees."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Friday, August 5, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux looks at why a few Washington players switched jersey numbers for the season.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about a leaner Antonio Gibson who is confident heading into year 3.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the similar paths of Percy Butler and Washington Legend Brian Mitchell
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how Kendall Fuller's standout knowledge of the playbook, football IQ has set him up for success at camp so far
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about rookie Percy Butler's adjustment to NFL life and dad life.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Taylor Heinicke's love of LEGOS.
• The Washington Post's PJ Morales writes about the hunt for the team's next starting dual-returner.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Antonio Gibson's confidence entering Year 3.
• NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay provides a look back at Ryan Kerrigan's career in Washington.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the sounds of the first few days of training camp.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Dyami Brown's epic in Day 3.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the positive Day 2 outing for the Commanders' secondary.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about the glimpses of Curtis Samuel magic that offer hope for the future.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about how Carson Wentz's attitude has impressed as training camp gets underway.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the humble approach that is fueling the Commanders defense.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also talks about Jahan Dotson's excitement towards learning from Terry McLaurin.
• ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz building his confidence on the first day of camp.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier gives five position battles to watch ahead of training camp.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Training camp notebook | All about rest and recovery
• Media roundup | Charles Leno calls Brian Robinson a 'natural running back"
• Washington Commanders to induct Mike Bass into Ring of Fame during 2022 season opener
• Kendall Fuller: Commanders secondary can be 'as good as we wanna be'
• Training Camp Notebook | Curtis Samuels suits up, Cole Turner establishes chemistry with Carson Wentz
• "I absolutely love it, being out here in the uniform": Military members enjoy Salute Day at the Park
• Terry McLaurin provides roadmap for Jahan Dotson's development
• Cole Holcomb proud of Jamin Davis' growth
• Training Camp Notebook | RBs found open lanes in first padded practice
• Antonio Gibson looking 'spry' in return to team drills
• Training Camp Notebook | Defense shines to start Week 2 of camp
• 4 standouts from Week 1 of Commanders' training camp
• Kam Curl gives inside look at intense defensive competition
• Kerrigan: Love from Washington fanbase 'made my career'
• Ryan Kerrigan pens letter to announce retirement
• Ryan Kerrigan announces retirement, will sign one day contract with the Commanders
• Training Camp Notebook | Defense shines on Day 2
• Media roundup | Ron Rivera sees Brian Robinson as 'big, strong, powerful downhill runner'
• Carson Wentz focused on building chemistry to start camp