Haynesworth Finally Practices, Not Number 1

Albert Haynesworth and Redskin's head coach Mike Shanahan have been having playing a game of chicken that last week and a half. Since Albert Haynesworth has been at training camp, he had yet to practice because he has been either unable or unwilling to pass the fitness test.

Haynesworth's Knee Injury

Haynesworth's excuse for sitting out of practice and not being able to pass the fitness test has been his knee. No one, not even coach Shanahan, has suggested that Albert was faking the injury and let him recoup from the injury before he attempted the fitness test again. What seemed to be a empass, the Redskins had Haynesworth's knee looked at. The MRI was negative for any structural damage.

Hayneworth must have realized he played all his cards on his knee after the MRI and finally passed the fitness test and cleared his way to join the rest of the team on the practice field.

The $100 Million Back-up

Though Haynesworth passed the fitness test Saturday, he didn't join his defensive teammates on the field until today. Apparently he was still playing the knee card. Today at practice though Haynesworth was on the field and practicing, but not with the first time as you would expect for the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Instead he was playing along side the second team at defensive end. It has yet to be reported if this was punishment for this holdout or not.

Albert Haynesworth Attends Training Camp, Meets with Coaches

After holding out from OTAs during the off season, Albert Haynesworth reported to training camp yesterday. Haynesworth met with Coach Mike Shanahan and Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett. Only time will show if this relationship is mended and if it will work.

Mike Shanahan Remarks About Haynesworth

Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said that Haynesworth will have to pass a physical fitness test and won't participate until he does. That doesn't sound like much of a problem since Haynesworth apparently has trimmed down and reported to camp in the best shape of his career.

Haynesworth Meets with Jim Haslett

As defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett will have to deal with Haynesworth more than Shanahan. In a meeting with the $100 million dollar defensive lineman was told that he will have plenty of play making opportunities while playing in the 3-4 defense scheme that is being implemented this year. Haynesworth says that he understands that he will have to play nose tackle at times during games.

Haynesworth only needs to look a few hundred miles away to see how a nose tackle can make an impact on a defense. Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton has been a Pro Bowler in multiple years while playing in the successful defensive scheme.

Albert Haynesworth Trade Request

Albert Haynesworth has been a hold-out since Mike Shanahan was announced as the new coach.  Shortly after the announcement, Haynesworth requested a trade - a trade that will be hard to make with his behemothic $100 million contract and his minute performance and work ethic. Apparently the only this big or bigger than his contract is his selfishness.

No 3-4 Defense

Apparently the root to Haynesworth's dissatisfaction with the Redskins is Coach Shanahan's decision to switch to the the 3-4 defense, which moved Haynesworth inside. Haynesworth isn't interested in taking blocks and double teams to free up a teammate that will get the sacks. It has been reported that he was promised prior to signing last year that they wouldn't transform into a 3-4 defense. Albert should know better that everything in the NFL is subject to change...especially with a new coach. Besides, with his lackluster performance last year, how can anyone expect him to play well in a 4-3?

Redskins Players Frustrations

The Redskins' players haven't been very quite in expressing their opinions, at least London Fletcher hasn't. Fletcher went off the other day saying that Haynesworth is being selfish with his antics. Fletcher went on to say that if that is the case, they don't need him.

Other players around the league have also weighed in on Tweeter and through other outlets. Most are saying if you pay them $100 million that they will do anything you ask. Yeah probably, until they receive the check.

Washington Redskin News

The Washington Redskins have been making noise this offseason.  The Redskins have been working on their offensive backfield and signed free agent Willie Parker, who was with the Steelers since 2004. They also made waves after they traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for Donovan McNabb. Last week Coach Mike Shanahan said they offered Brian Westbrook a contract.

Running Backs

Some people are curious in what Coach Shanahan has in mind. It seems he is going for the record of oldest running back corp. According to the younger Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan, "Clinton has been the back here, and he's definitely the starting back going into training camp." But Portis hasn't been able to stay healthy the last couple years. Portis' health issues is a reason to stock up on running backs, but neither Parker or Westbrook have been healthy much recently either. Parker is the youngest, being the only one under 30. But some feel that he will be the odd man out if Westbrook signs. To me that sounds ridiculous since Parker has at least played more and doesn't have the concussion history that Westrook does.

OTA Holdouts

The biggest named and paid holdout has been Albert Haynesworth. After an uninspired season last year, the guy that the Redskins signed for $100 million is holding out for a trade. Best of Luck bro!

With a disappointing season and a huge contract, who would want Haynesworth. I have an idea - how about going out and play for $100 million instead of trying to take your ball and going to another team. Haynesworth could be the defensive equivalent to Terrell Owens - talented, but a diva and cancer to the team.

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, safety LaRon Landry, punter Josh Bidwell and linebacker Rocky McIntosh are other holdouts from OTAs. Bidwell is the only player that was told not to come to practice.

Coach Shanahan doesn't sound too worried with the holdouts.

"All I can say is that when you're at 94-95 percent [attendance], you feel pretty good about your football team and the direction you're heading...," Shanahan said. "Obviously, in the end, if they're not here, it's not good for their future."