Skins back in prime time

Suddenly, the Redskins once again are worthy of prime time attention. At least for three games, starting with the season opener. And quarterback Donovan McNabb’s return to Philadelphia will be nationally televised.

Washington will start the Mike Shanahan era on Sept. 12 in a Sunday night game vs. Dallas. It’s the first time Washington and Dallas will meet in the season opener since 1999.

It’s the start of a rough stretch to open the season, with only one of the first six games against a team not considered a strong playoff contender (St. Louis in Week 3).

The Rams game could be emotional for Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. He served as the Rams interim coach for 12 games in 2008 after spending the previous two years as the defensive coordinator.

But the other five games are tough: Dallas, Houston — offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s former team — at Philadelphia, Green Bay and AFC Champion Indianapolis. Four of those teams made the playoffs while Houston was eliminated from contention on the final day.

Of course, the Eagles game on Oct. 3 will be McNabb’s return to the place he played for 11 seasons.

After the Dallas opener, the next prime time game is Oct. 17 vs. Indianapolis, another Sunday contest. The Redskins host Philadelphia in a Monday night game on Nov. 15.

That, too, is part of a rough stretch as the next three games are against Tennessee (away), Minnesota and the New York Giants (away).

The Redskins end the season with a Jan. 2 home game vs. the Giants. Their bye is Nov. 7.

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