LaRon Landry Fake Numbered Jim Zorn

ASHBURN, Va. -- Just a week ago, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn expressed his disappointment over LaRon Landry's absence from OTAs (organized team activities). Zorn admitted he had been trying to get in touch with Landry, but the third-year safety had not returned any of his calls or texts.

On Thursday, after Washington's last team workout before training camp, we found out why.

Landry gave Zorn the ol' fake-number sliparoo.

"Several texts came back to me, and I thought, 'You know, I don't really have the right number,' " Zorn said.

It's the oldest trick in the dating playbook, but who knew it would work in the professional sports world? A little credit for Zorn, though, who refused to become one of those desperate stalker-types -- after a few attempts to reach Landry failed, Zorn gave up so completely that he had no idea Landry would join in Thursday's practice.

"I was surprised, pleasantly surprised and glad that he was able to participate in even one practice," Zorn said. "I really do think anytime you have everyone here, it's a positive. So I'm pleased."

And just to make sure that Landry doesn't vanish into thin air again?

"I said [to Landry], 'What phone number do I have, and what phone number do you really have?' " Zorn said.

Easy, coach. You're coming on a little strong.

In all seriousness, though, Landry's one-day-only appearance at Washington's voluntary OTA proved that his absence might not have been that big of a deal after all. Landry jumped right back into the mix, lining up with the Redskins' top defensive unit, paired with Chris Horton at the safety positions.

During a practice-ending passing drill, Landry stepped in front of a Colt Brennan toss and picked it off -- while his teammates ribbed him with calls of "Fresh legs! Fresh legs!"

"I was staying in shape," Landry said. "I came out and realized I have a couple things to catch up on in the playbook, but as far as my ability and endurance, it's all there."

Landry stressed that he had been working out on his own -- though he refused to get more specific than smiling and saying he was working on "football things" when asked about his offseason routine. He also promised he'd be back for the start of training camp in July, saying that the big deal made about his OTA absence bothered him.

"It hurt me personally, but I had to deal with it," Landry said. "It wasn't mandatory, but I knew when I came back, I would be in shape and I wouldn't let them down."