Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth passed the conditioning test this morning on his fourth attempt and can begin practicing as soon as today.
Haynesworth completed the test just before 7:30 this morning. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright, along with three of his assistants, watched Haynesworth, running in burgundy shorts and a white T-shirt cut with the sleeves cut off.
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As Haynesworth headed to the field, one worker setting up a tent on the grounds shouted out, “You got this!”
Indeed, he did. Now, after missing 15 practices (including seven walk-throughs) Haynesworth can join his teammates for a full workout. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan had said numerous times that Haynesworth would not be able to practice until he completed the test.
Haynesworth’s conditioning test had become the butt of national jokes and prompted many in the media to attempt the test themselves. Within the team, many players weren’t consumed with Haynesworth’s plight with several saying it wasn’t a distraction.
“I really don’t give a [expletive],” one player said. “I’m just worried about my job.”
In the past, teammates complained about Haynesworth not playing through certain injuries when others were equally hurt, or worse. But they didn’t dispute that his knee was bothering him; he missed time last summer with knee issues and dealt with similar problems in Tennessee.
Haynesworth had failed to complete the test in the required time on the first two days of training camp. On the first day, Haynesworth finished the first part of the 300-yard shuttle (at 25-yard intervals) in less than the required 70 seconds. However, he needed a 10-minute bathroom break before running the next part (he was only allowed three-and-a-half minutes). After passing it again, he failed to finish the second leg in less than the required 73 seconds. A day later, Haynesworth ran the first 300 yards in 71 seconds and therefore couldn’t take the second test.
Knee issues prevented him from even attempting the test in six of the past seven days. On Monday, Haynesworth started to take it, but had to stop because of knee soreness. But he continued running on the treadmill or riding a bike to get into better shape. And he appeared to do more work on the field, as his teammates worked on another field and after practice. His agility work had increased in recent days as well.
Haynesworth underwent an MRI on Thursday that showed no structural damage to his knee, but he has dealt with knee problems in the past. He irked Shanahan by skipping the offseason workouts. Had he attended at least 50 percent of the workouts, he wouldn’t have needed to take the conditioning test. He was the only Redskin who had to take the test.
“I think he regrets it,” Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels said.
