Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth sidelined 2nd straight day by ‘not serious’ knee problem

Redskins DT Haynesworth’s knee problem not serious

ASHBURN, Va. — Albert Haynesworth’s knee kept him from a full practice for the second straight day, forcing him and the Washington Redskins to play their best defense against any cause for alarm.

“It’s not serious,” Haynesworth said as he walked off the field following Monday’s workout. “If I had to play today, I could play today.”

The centerpiece of the Redskins’ offseason acquisitions — with a contract that includes an NFL-record $41 million in guaranteed money — Haynesworth was off to a good start over the first few days of training camp until he required an injection to insert fluid into his left knee. He was mainly an on-field spectator Sunday and Monday.

“We’re just trying to keep his knee, which is sore from the all the work we’ve been doing, just trying to make sure we don’t have to shut him down completely for more than a day or two,” Washington coach Jim Zorn said.

Haynesworth said he has been receiving similar injections for several years to help him get through the rigors of training camp. He said the injections are not related to the sprain in the same knee that caused him to miss two games late last season with the Tennessee Titans.

“It gets me more lubricant around the knee, and it’s fine,” Haynesworth said. “You do it at the beginning of the season, and it’s fine.”

Haynesworth never managed to start 16 games in a regular season in his seven years with the Titans. Zorn said he is expecting Haynesworth to play all 16 with the Redskins, but the coach also said the 350-pound defensive tackle will get some time off during games.

“I fully expect him to go as much as he can,” Zorn said. “He’s not going to play 70 plays a game. He’s going to play a percentage.”

Haynesworth was asked if he will practice Tuesday.

“Hope so,” he said. “I need all the work I can get.”

Also Monday, receiver Roydell Williams had surgery on a broken left pinkie. A plate was inserted in his hand, and he will be out for “weeks,” according to Zorn. Williams has been contending for a roster spot as a possible No. 5 receiver.