Last week, we posted on reports suggesting not only that Redskins’ defensive lineman, and consistent malcontent Albert Haynesworth may not start against Dallas this Sunday, but that he might not even be active. This sounded a little far fetched in our opinion--Haynesworth, for all the distraction he provides, is still a considerable force on the field, one whose absence would be a positive for Dallas on Sunday.
True to these reports, Haynesworth played through most of Washington’s preseason finale against Arizona, a performance that did nothing to stem the tide of rumors issuing from Redskins Park. According to two team sources in contact with Jason Reid of the Washington Post, Haynesworth was “awful.” Reid went on to report that head coach Mike Shanahan has lost his patience with the Big Man, that his performance against Arizona could affect his status against Dallas.
That is, it could affect his status against Dallas is he is still a Redskin on Sunday.
According to multiple reports today, the Redskins and the Titans have been in discussions lately concerning a potential trade, which would send Haynesworth back to Tennessee, where he spent the first seven years of his NFL career. These are mere rumors at the moment, but they are supported by reports that head coach Mike Shanahan is fed up with Haynesworth and ready to listen to offers. The team has paid Haynesworth $32 million for essentially one season of work, meaning that any potential deal will rely on the Titans’ willingness to pony up some decent compensation.
At any rate, Haynesworth’s status for Sunday night is wholly unclear. If Shanahan and company do, in fact, want to deal the Big Man, they’d probably like to get it done sooner than later--lest they have a big, unhappy distraction on the sidelines for a huge season opener.
Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW Sports on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service. Read more about it here.
