According to a report on NFL.com, Washington Redskins’ defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth may not start against your Dallas Cowboys--and he may not even be active.
According an anonymous Redskins staffer speaking to Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com and the NFL Network, Haynesworth will see a good deal of playing time when the team wraps up their preseason against Arizona on Thursday. Traditionally, starters are left off the field in these games, but new head coach Mike Shanahan reportedly wants Haynesworth to get some additional work before the season opener, next Sunday.
Haynesworth was limited in camp due to his inability to pass the mandatory conditioning test and a series of minor injuries, but that he would be suited up for Thursday night still comes as a somewhat remarkable development. More remarkable is the idea that Haynesworth would not start, or, beyond that, be active, for the season opener against the hated Cowboys.
Regardless of your personal feelings toward Haynesworth, there’s no doubt that he remains a considerable force on the defensive side of the football. Perhaps the source purposefully made the remarks to LaCanfora as a sort of motivational tool for the oft-disgruntled big man; perhaps they’re actually considering benching him. But considering the intrigue of September 12 in Washington--the new regime, revamped stadium and longstanding rivalry--the former seems far more probable than the latter.
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.
