Donovan McNabb vows to start in opener; Albert Haynesworth's status unknown
Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb said Tuesday that it doesn’t matter if his sprained ankle isn't 100 percent, it won't keep him from starting the opener Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
"Yes, I will be starting this weekend," McNabb told ESPN980. "And I look forward to it. Is it 100 percent? No. But it's getting better.”
McNabb sprained his left ankle in the pre-season game against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 21. He did not play in the Redskins’ final exhibition and has not taken any reps at practice since the injury occurred—that is until Monday.
His teammates were trilled to see their 33 year-old quarterback out on the practice field trying to get familiar with his new teammates and with a new offensive scheme. In his two pre-season starts, McNabb completed a mediocre 16 of 34 passes for 264 yards. He has thrown for one touchdown and one interception.
While he has lost some valuable practice time nursing that injury, head coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t seem overly concern and feels that: "He [McNabb] is ready to go."
Sunday night's opener against the Dallas Cowboys has everyone eager and anxious about this important divisional game. “Dallas week! Y'all know what time it is,” said linebacker Brian Orakpo.
While McNabb appears on pace to make his Redskins debut in time, the same can not be said for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and this has McNabb worried.
"We can't win without Albert. He plays a major part on our defense, and everyone knows that. It's just unfortunate what's been going on and how everything has transpired, but that's the game of football, and I think he'll handle it the right way. ... I think he'll be here. I hope he'll be here. ... As a player, you would want Albert to be here."
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