When Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs arrived at his first training camp in 12 years Saturday, his players were waiting for him — and so were a few thousand fans.

Fans cheered the return of the Hall of Fame coach who led the Redskins to three Super Bowl titles.

“I didn’t expect this many fans,” said quarterback Mark Brunell, who never saw such hoopla in nine years with Jacksonville. “I knew there was going to be a lot of people here, but it’s unbelievable.”

Gibbs concentrated mostly on the offense, but also paid close attention to special-teams drills — a significant change from the departed Steve Spurrier, who always stayed close to the quarterbacks.

Asked to compare his emotions to his first Redskins training camp in 1981, the 63-year-old Gibbs joked: “I’m too old to remember ’81. I think it’s a lot of the same things, a lot of the same emotions. Nervous, apprehensive.”

Gibbs was involved in every offensive snap and even played free safety. He faked a blitz once or twice as he and his mostly gray-haired coaching staff lined up to give the offense different looks on pass plays.

“If they can’t read us, then they’re really in trouble,” Gibbs said. “I don’t think we’re moving at the same speed.”

The session was the most physical Redskins practice since the days of Norv Turner in the mid-1990s, with live tackling on inside running plays.

“We’re never really taking breaks,” tackle Chris Samuels said. “We’re always working. Last year and previous years, we would go hard and take some periods off where we’re talking through some stuff. But we’re on the field, we work hard, we get off the field.”

Gibbs kept the quarterback competition as level as possible. Brunell took the first set of reps, but he and Patrick Ramsey took an equal number of snaps. Gibbs said he wouldn’t decide on a quarterback until the final exhibition game.

Texans

Houston tight end Bennie Joppru has injured his groin for the second consecutive summer, forcing the team to place him on the physically unable to perform list along with two others. Joppru underwent season-ending surgery last August to repair his first injury.

Joining Joppru on the list were safety Ramon Walker and quarterback B.J. Symons. Both are recovering from knee surgery.

Steelers

Pittsburgh opened training camp without first-round pick quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His agent continued to work on a deal with the Steelers.

Buccaneers

Offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker did not report for the start of camp because of a stomach virus, but is expected to join the team Monday. Defensive end Simeon Rice sat out practice because of an illness, and safety Dwight Smith was excused from the first three days of camp for personal reasons. Receiver Joe Jurevicius is recovering from a knee injury and a lower back strain, but may try to practice Monday.

Broncos

Rookie running back Tatum Bell ended his three-day holdout Saturday, but he broke a finger during a drill.

Packers

The Packers finalized a four-year contract with defensive tackle Corey Williams, but not before the sixth-round pick showed up for practice. Williams was told he had to leave the field and sign the contract before he was allowed to participate.

Giants

Tight end Jeremy Shockey is sitting out practice while he recovers from surgery on his right foot.