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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, December 26, 2009

Haynesworth sent home from practice


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Albert Haynesworth

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Frustrated with losing and what he says is the unwillingness of defensive coordinator Greg Blache to embrace change, Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth could not "survive another season in this system if it stays the way it is," Haynesworth told the Washington Post late yesterday afternoon.

In a phone interview shortly after he was sent home from practice by coach Jim Zorn for disciplinary reasons, Haynesworth for the first time discussed his poor relationship with Blache and provided his most detailed explanation yet about the flaws, in his opinion, of Blache's disciplined scheme, which has helped the Redskins rank ninth overall in defense. Haynesworth expressed fear that owner Daniel Snyder's major investment in him — the Redskins guaranteed Haynesworth $41 million in signing him last February — would be wasted unless he again is given freedom to "create havoc" as he did in his first seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

Today, the Redskins will complete preparations for tomorrow night's nationally televised game against the Dallas Cowboys. Haynes-worth' status for the FedEx Field season finale, however, is unclear after the latest incident in one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

"If they keep this system the way it is, then they would label Albert Haynes-worth a bust who didn't live up to the contract," Haynes-worth said. "Everybody would say he just took the money and ran off. And I'm still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that's put around you. And I'm not talking about the players. The players have been great. I couldn't ask for any better guys. I'm talking about the system. And (the coaches) can say whatever they want about that (the reason he was sent home yesterday). The main thing it's coming from is what I said after the game about leadership and about the team."

After an embarrassing 45-12 loss to the New York Giants on Monday, Haynes-worth questioned his role and said the team lacks leadership. Haynesworth, fined $10,000 after trading blows with Giants running back Brandon Jacobs during the game, made it clear he does not believe the style Blache has asked him to play in Washington suits him.

Asked directly whether those comments contributed to yesterday's incident, Zorn immediately replied "not at all."

"Honestly, this was just something that happened just today," Zorn said after the practice session. "I think it's not unique to me. It happens around the NFL, and I see (these things) handled all the time. And hopefully I'm handling things in the proper way."

EAGLES

WESTBROOK TO RETURN

Brian Westbrook could be a decoy, part-time player or third-down specialist.

All that matters is he'll be back on the field.

Westbrook completed a full week of practice and is expected to play for the Philadelphia Eagles against Denver tomorrow after missing five weeks with a concussion.

"We'll see how his numbers go and how he feels," coach Andy Reid said yesterday. "I'll stay in communication with him throughout the game. He'll have a chance to play. He's done well this week."

While Westbrook is set to return, the Eagles could be without quarterback Michael Vick because he has a quadriceps contusion. Vick, who runs a handful of plays each game, didn't practice this week and is questionable.

The NFC East-leading Eagles (10-4) host the Broncos (8-6) in a game with strong playoff implications. Philadelphia has already clinched a playoff spot, but has a chance to earn a first-round bye. Denver has a one-game lead over six teams for a wild-card spot in the AFC.

Westbrook sustained his second concussion in three weeks against San Diego on Nov. 15. His first career concussion came against Washington on Oct. 26. Westbrook sat out two games before returning prematurely against the Chargers.

Denver wide receiver Eddie Royal will not play in tomorrow's game.

Royal missed every practice this week with neck and hand injuries. He was absent from yesterday's indoor workout.

ELSEWHERE

Patriots: Running back Fred Taylor is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor has missed the last 10 games with an ankle injury. He participated fully in practices Wednesday and Thursday and on a limited basis yesterday. The Patriots would clinch the AFC East title with a win at home. The Jaguars need a win to stay alive in the wild-card chase.

Texans: Dunta Robinson's shoe escapade has turned into a $25,000 boost for a facility that will serve underprivileged children. The Houston Texans cornerback was fined that amount for wearing shoes during the season opener that carried a message directed at general manager Rick Smith: It said, "pay me Rick." Robinson was upset he and the Texans were unable to reach a long-term contract and skipped training camp before signing. Robinson was allowed to donate the fine this week toward the construction of a Houston Texans YMCA that will benefit kids in some of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

Bills: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was limited in practice yesterday and his availability for tomorrow's game in Atlanta will be a game-time decision. Fitzpatrick participated in individual workouts but not in practice. Interim coach Perry Fewell said he hopes Fitzpatrick might be available against the Falcons. Brian Brohm would start if Fitzpatrick can't go.

Panthers: Running back DeAngelo Williams is doubtful for tomorrow's game against the New York Giants after missing his third straight practice with a sprained left ankle.