Redskins' Haynesworth inactive for season opener has 0 comments

Sep 6th 2010, 15:54 | FFN-Score: 40 points

A poor performance in the Washington Redskins' preseason finale may have earned Albert Haynesworth a spot on the inactive list for Week 1, the Washington Post reports.

Haynesworth was "awful" Thursday during the Cardinals' 20-10 victory in Glendale, Ariz., two team sources who recently reviewed game film told the Post. It often appeared he gave little effort while participating in 49 of the Redskins' 55 defensive plays. On the few occasions he did play hard, the two sources said, Haynesworth failed to adhere to the principles of the new 3-4 scheme. He was credited with four tackles, including three unassisted.

The Post report added that it's unlikely Haynesworth would be named a starter for the opener, the sources said. The Redskins play host to the Cowboys, their NFC East rivals, Sept. 12 at FedEx Field. Redskins defensive coaches have worked hard to help Haynesworth prepare to play right end this season, but the situation is unsettled again after Haynesworth's poor showing in the desert.

Though it will be coach Mike Shanahan's decision alone on how to use the two-time All-Pro performer, owner Daniel Snyder guaranteed Haynesworth $41 million in the contract Haynesworth signed in February 2009. Haynesworth, who played in 12 games last season, already has been paid $32 million -- including a $21 million bonus on April 1.