But Redskins have no concerns about health
ASHBURN – The doubts centered on his durability, not his talent. Early in training camp, both have been on display. Albert Haynesworth has dominated the middle. And Albert Haynesworth has needed to sit out, the last two practices to be exact.
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The Redskins say they’re not concerned with any long-term issues with Haynesworth and called his Synvisc injection a normal procedure, one that other Redskins have had. However, those other players weren’t handed a contract that guaranteed them $41 million.
Haynesworth said he could return to practice this morning after resting his left knee again Monday, though coach Jim Zorn said it could be another “day or two.” Haynesworth also sat out, as scheduled, the second practice Sunday.
A Synvisc injection is designed to cushion and lubricate the knee, restoring fluid in the joints. Haynesworth said he had similar injections in Tennessee, in his left knee and in his back, and he said one is all he’s needed to get through a season. He originally hurt his knee in 2005.
“It’s nothing new,” he said. “It hurts like hell É It really does help you out. It gives me more lubricant around the knee. É [But] it’s nothing serious. If I had to play today I could play today.
“They just want to take it easy on me, have me ready for the season.”
Zorn said of the injection, “It gets you through two-a-days. During the season the battle is on Sunday, but we’re not hitting during the week like we are now.”
Haynesworth said his knee wasn’t a problem last year. He missed the final two games of the season with a sprained left knee, but others say he could have played had the Titans not clinched a playoff berth.
Haynesworth last played a full season as a rookie in 2002. The Redskins envision using him on approximately 60-65 percent of the snaps in a game, comparable to how he was used in Tennessee.
“I suspect he’s going to play every single game,” Zorn said. “[Durability] is a concern, but I wouldn’t single him out. This is a violent game and you just never know.”
The Redskins had hoped to go as long as possible without giving him the injection, treating his knee instead. Washington did not want him to miss more than a couple days, which is why the injection was done now.
“I’m just getting old with 28-year-old legs,” Haynesworth said. “They just want to take it easy on me, have me ready for the season.”
Rogers hopes to return Wednesday
» Corner Carlos Rogers wants to learn from Shawn Springs’ mistakes when it comes to calf injuries. Rogers missed his second straight practice with a strained left calf.
“I’d rather take a few days and make sure it heals than be out for a couple weeks like Shawn last year,” Rogers said.
Considering Rogers is in a contract year, the last thing he’d want is to miss multiple weeks with any injury.
He said it tightened up on him Saturday, causing him to sit out the team drills. Rogers said it initially hurt when he walked but not anymore, thanks to getting treatment three times a day. He hopes to return perhaps Wednesday.
Meanwhile, receiver Roydell Williams underwent surgery on his left pinky finger. He needed a plate inserted into the finger, which he injured attempting to catch a pass Sunday morning. Redskins coach Jim Zorn said he was uncertain how many weeks he would miss.
Right guard Randy Thomas took some series off in full-team work Monday afternoon after his elbow hyper-flexed.
» The Redskins practiced for only an hour Monday afternoon. They’ll conduct two practices Tuesday, including full-pad work in the morning. They have practiced in full pads two times thus far in camp.
