On The Eve of Redskins Training Camp...

A Media Luncheon, of Sorts. And An Exclusive One-On-One With Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan addressing the media during today's media luncheon. Photo/CD Brown.

What a nice gesture for the Redskins organization to have invited the media for a luncheon at Redskins Park today where we were afforded the opportunity to talk to the assistant coaches, and quite naturally, get the 411 about one Albert Haynesworth, III.

We chatted briefly with Coach Shanahan at the luncheon where he told us Haynesworth is in town and that he has spoken to Haynesworth today. We asked Shanahan if the two-time All-Pro seemed committed to playing for the Washington Redskins.

"Well, we'll find that out", said Shanahan. "He's come in, reported to training camp, and I talked to him today. I talked to him about our defense and what we expect.

Haynesworth has reportedly lost close to forty pounds. Pounds that may have Shanahan wondering if Albert can perform at the level the Redskins expect.

"We'll see what type of shape he's in. If he's in excellent shape and passes our conditioning tests, then he'll be out for practice right away. If he's not in practice shape we'll work with him until he is in shape and then fit him with our defense and evaluate that on a day-to-day basis.

Shanahan told us he hasn't given up on the guy, even though he missed the mandatory mini-camp, and OTAs earlier this summer.

"No. I haven't given up on Albert. Albert is here, now it's time to see what type of shape he's in, and see if he can help us.

The Redskins will need all the help they can get to help block for its newest QB, Donovan McNabb.

The Redskins have yet to talk contracts with McNabb despite the team's new General Manager, Bruce Allen, emphasizing McNabb is "part of the Skins' future".

Another item that continues to loom over the Redskins is whether or not Michael Westbrook will accept an offer the team made to him earlier this year. The Skins have yet to hear from Westbrook on the subject.

When we asked Shanahan about it he replied, "we have no new information."

Adding, "If you get any information, let us know."

Right guard Mike Williams will be out for the season due to blood clots found near his lungs earlier this summer.

During the media Q&A Shanahan said about Williams, “It’s a setback for us, a setback for Mike, but you’re just glad you caught it before it was serious.”

Other Notes

In case you're wondering what was on the luncheon's menu, here it is: Chicken Marsala and beef, wild rice pilaf, steamed green beans, pasta, shrimp, vegetable salad, fruit, and teas. (The chocolate cupcakes at the front desk were a tasty treat as well).

Related
Training Camp Schedule

Stuff a Backpack
During training camp, the Redskins will seek donations of new school supplies from fans for The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation in partnership with World Vision - National Capital Area's "Stuff a Backpack” School Supply Drive from Thursday, July 29 - Saturday, August 7 to help families in need get their children ready for the new school year.

Fans unable to come to the Park can also participate by dropping off new supplies at any of the 10 metro area Redskins Retail Stores, or visit www.worldvision.org/StuffaBackpack.

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