Head coach Mike Shanahan said he "totally disagreed" with Albert Haynesworth's decision not to take part in the Redskins' ongoing voluntary workouts but said his relationship with the big defensive tackle remains intact.
Speaking Wednesday at a breakfast news conference at the NFL owners meeting in Orlando, Fla., Shanahan said he appreciated Haynesworth informing him of his plans in person when the off-season conditioning program began March 15.
"One thing about Albert, he came in and sat down and talked to me. We had a good conversation. I'm just going to let time go by … and hope Albert's in great shape and ready to go full speed," Shanahan said. "I'm looking for guys that are going to get it done on the field. I think we know what Albert's done.
"He's got to have a great off-season conditioning program to stay healthy and if he does than it gives us a chance to get better."
Haynesworth has said he prefers to work with his own trainer on moves specific to his own body and needs.
Haynesworth missed four games last season due to injuries and his total tackles (37) and sacks (four) were the fewest for him in a season since 2006, when he played in only 11 games for the Tennessee Titans.
The 6-6, 350-pounder has played in all 16 games only once and that was as a rookie in 2002. He only started three of those games. He has never made more than 14 starts in his eight seasons.
Shanahan refused to be pinned down about starting roles at either quarterback or running back.
Jason Campbell is a restricted free agent and the Redskins signed Rex Grossman, who worked with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan last season with the Houston Texans. The Redskins also added free-agent running back Larry Johnson to a backfield that has been dominated over the years by Clinton Portis.
"There's competition at every position," Shanahan said."Just because someone comes in as a third, fourth or fifth guy doesn't mean that he doesn't have a chance to beat somebody out or a chance to compete. Rex Grossman was Kyle at Houston, he understands the system.
"Obviously he had a short career with Chicago but he got a lot of games behind him and we're going to get as much done as we can to have all these guys compete."
Same thing for the backs, he said.
"I know what Clinton Portis has done at Denver, 1,500 yards a couple of years in a row, right at six yards a carry. I watched Larry Johnson play from afar (in Kansas City) and we know what kind of years he's had. They're proven players. Hopefully they can get it done for us," Shanahan said.
