Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth underwent an MRI Thursday that found no damage to his knee. Haynesworth has complained of soreness in the knee after failing a conditioning test required by coach Mike Shanahan.
Haynesworth has not participated in practices yet but is instead observing drills and worked with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett after practice Thursday.
After missing spring workouts in protest of the Redskins’ new 3-4 defensive scheme, Haynesworth has to catch up to learn the defense. The former All-Pro defensive tackle and 100 million dollar man has lost approximately 35 pounds since last season when he missed four games due to injuries.
Shanahan has made a point to prevent Haynesworth from practicing until he passes his conditioning test. Will Shanahan relent and allow Haynesworth to practice if he continues to fail the test? If Haynesworth doesn’t pass the test will it become a major distraction?
Here are some other training camp questions:
Who will emerge as the starter at wide receiver opposite Santana Moss?
Last year the Redskins went into the season with a thin offensive line corps, and they paid the price as several starters and backups went down with injuries. This year, Washington’s receiver corps is uncertain after getting six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb. Moss is the team’s number one receiver, but there is a chance he will be suspended for the beginning of the season because of his association with Dr. Anthony Galea, the subject of an investigation involving performance enhancing drugs. Moss also has an injury history.
Also on the roster are Joey Galloway, who has 689 receptions but is 38, former Tennessee Titans receiver Roydell Williams, third-year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, former Vikings starter Bobby Wade, former Lions starter Mike Furrey, and several rookies.
Williams last played in 2007 for the Titans. Thomas and Kelly are former second round picks who have not lived up to expectations, each getting 25 catches last year, though Thomas has shown more burst. Kelly is currently out with a sore hamstring but hopes to practice next week. Thomas, Wade, and Furrey have experience returning punts, making them more versatile. Furrey caught 98 passes for Detroit in 2006 but is currently out with a concussion.
The Redskins may have adequate depth at wide receiver but a starter and a third receiver need to emerge opposite Moss.
What will happen with the Redskins’ running back situation?
The joke is that the Redskins have a roster full of Pro Bowl running backs…from 2006.
Look for Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson to carry the load at running back, with Portis getting the bulk of the carries. After that, the backfield is uncertain. Will Willie Parker make the team? He is the least accomplished pass receiver of the three veteran running backs on the Skins’ roster, averaging less than 10 yards a game receiving for his career. Washington likely cannot afford to keep three running backs who are neither special teams players nor receiving threats.
The only other backs on the roster are free agents Ryan Torain, Keiland Williams, Darrel Young. Shanahan has a history of turning unheralded running backs into major contributors, so look for at least one of those three backs to make the roster and play.
The Redskins do not have a proven third-down running back, so they should sign former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook sooner than later. Westbrook has been one of the best pass catching backs in the NFL the last decade, though he will be 31 next month and suffered two concussions last season. Westbrook has served as a safety valve for McNabb which will be important especially early in the season as McNabb gets used to his offensive line and receivers.
The fact that the Redskins only have six running backs in camp at this early stage is an indication that they plan to sign Westbrook, but they should do so soon to prevent any other teams from signing the veteran.
How will players fit in to the new 3-4 defensive scheme?
Defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander has moved to outside linebacker, and while the sixth-year player is versatile, having played on the offensive line as well as special teams, he has not played much linebacker in the NFL.
Defensive end Andre Carter is also moving to outside linebacker, and for him the transition may not be as easy. Carter is 31 and as a pass rusher, questions remain about whether he can stop the run enough to play at linebacker other than as a situational player. However, Carter did have 11 sacks last season and he does have experience playing linebacker for San Francisco where he averaged a sack nearly every other game, but only averaged slightly more than two tackles per game with the 49ers.
The Redskins also signed former Baltimore and Carolina nose tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu in the offseason. Kemoeatu missed the 2009 season with an Achilles tendon injury. It’s uncertain what Kemoeatu's role will be because Haynesworth has balked at playing nose tackle but may end up playing both nose tackle and defensive end.
Feel free to post comments at the bottom of this article.
To subscribe to Mike's articles free of charge, click on the "subscribe" button at the top of this page.
Comments
Hey Fat Albert, you are one of these ()
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!