Redskins notebook, 08/25/10

Published August 25, 2010 4:00am ET



Quarterback watch

Donovan McNabb

Position review » Defensive lineAlbert HaynesworthHaynesworth won’t play with the starting defense but is expected to work with the No. 1 nickel — as he had been doing in practice before missing two-and-a-half practices last week. When he plays in the nickel, Haynesworth could line up over the nose in a one-man front or at end in a two-man front. Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth could see time at right end as well. “He likes to play that position,” Shanahan said. “We’ll get a chance to see him in action.”Jeremy JarmonJarmon remains stuck low on the depth chart. He’s likely their No. 7 defensive lineman — the Redskins probably will keep seven or eight. Jarmon, who is coming off knee surgery, has had an inconsistent camp. Part of that likely stems from his knee, which prevented him from working out most of the offseason. Plus the former third-round pick had to gain approximately 30 pounds in the offseason to play end in this system. Jarmon didn’t play last week until the fourth quarter, spending time at right end and a couple snaps at nose tackle. Though he did a decent job staying low, Jarmon still seemed to get controlled by blockers too often.Phillip DanielsDaniels is 37 but doesn’t act his age. Part of the reason is he’s playing in a new defense for the first time in more than a decade. “For me, I’d been in Greg Blache’s system for 10 years,” Daniels said. “It was a challenge to me. I want to learn something new. To me, camp was boring before because I wasn’t learning anything. I knew it. It was boring.”

McNabb, who won’t play against the New York Jets on Friday, is unlikely to play vs. Arizona in the preseason finale. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said it has been a long time since he has played his starters in the finale. McNabb would close the preseason having played just three quarters. He also showed off his playful side Thursday. When addressing the media, he used air quotes when he said he had a sprain. It’s also what Albert Haynesworth did Saturday when he said he’d had a headache.

Player of note

S Reed Doughty

Coach Shanahan said Doughty will start at free safety in place of the injured Kareem Moore. Chris Horton will back him up, with Tyrone Carter subbing for LaRon Landry at strong safety. Moore is out four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. It’ll be a good test for Doughty, who is more natural at strong safety and does not cover as much ground as Moore. But the way Washington uses its safeties, Doughty will have opportunities to play closer to the line.

News & notes

» Former Redskins linebacker Chris Hanburger is a Seniors Committee finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first time he has advanced this far. Hanburger, a nine-time Pro Bowler, is one of two senior nominees along with linebacker Les Richter. They’ll learn their fate on Feb. 5, 2011, along with 15 other still unnamed candidates from the modern era. Hanburger spent 14 seasons with the Redskins.

» Former Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles, back with the New York Jets, probably won’t have much to say to Redskins owner Dan Snyder. “I’m very thankful to Dan Snyder for building my home down in Jacksonville,” Coles told ESPNNewYork.com. “That’s about it. … Maybe I’ll put up a picture of him in one of his $80,000 suits or those $50,000 boots he wears.”.

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