Haynesworth fails ’Skins conditioning

Published 12:26 am Friday, July 30, 2010

Albert Haynesworth wasn’t ready to practice with the Washington Redskins — at least according to coach Mike Shanahan.

Tim Tebow will be ready to go when Denver Broncos camp opens.

Terrell Owens arrived at his new football home a bit late, but nobody seemed to mind.

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Haynesworth, the Redskins star defensive tackle, has been at odds with the team’s new coaching staff because of his role in the defense.

In the latest test of wills between Haynesworth and Shanahan, the two-time All-Pro defensive lineman was kept off the field for the opening session of Washington Redskins training camp Thursday after failing a conditioning test.

“The bottom line,” Shanahan said, “is we’re going to get him in shape.”

Haynesworth’s only appearance came after the practice was over, when he spent about 20 minutes walking through some plays with two assistant coaches. Looking perhaps 30 pounds leaner than he did a year ago, Haynesworth hovered around large upside-down trash bins — representing offensive linemen — as he learned the defense’s terminology. He didn’t speak to reporters.

Shanahan said Haynesworth will take the test once a day until he passes. If Haynesworth fails, he’ll have to spend extra time on the treadmill — as he did Thursday — and will continue to be absent from practice.

Haynesworth boycotted the team’s offseason workouts and minicamps because he is unhappy with the Redskins’ switch to a 3-4 defense and wanted a trade. When he finally returned to Redskins Park on Wednesday, he was told he would have to pass the conditioning test to take part in training camp and would start off practicing with the reserves.

Haynesworth was the only player required to take the test. Everyone else on the team attended a certain percentage of offseason workouts required by Shanahan. The test involves two series of demanding back-and-forth sprints that must be completed in a certain time.

Shanahan maintained that Haynesworth was not set up to fail. He said all the other linemen essentially passed the test by taking part in the offseason workouts.

“It’s a very fair test,” Shanahan said. “But more importantly, it keeps a guy from getting hurt. I don’t want to put a guy out there that’s not ready to go, and all of a sudden there’s a setback for two weeks.”

In Englewood, Colo., Tebow missed the first three workouts for rookies and selected veterans while his agent and Denver’s general manager hammered out a deal believed to be worth about $11 million over five years with more than $8 million of that guaranteed.

Tebow, the former Florida quarterback who was taken 25th overall, is expected to practice Friday morning, the final session before training camp begins in earnest Sunday with a full squad in full pads.

The signing of Tebow leaves top pick Demaryius Thomas, a wide receiver out of Georgia Tech, as the only unsigned member of Denver’s draft class.

Thomas was selected three spots before Tebow.

Owens missed an overnight flight that would have brought him to Bengals camp at Georgetown Ky., early Thursday. Instead, he got a later flight, rolled in less than an hour before an evening practice and decided to suit up.

That’s what a few thousand fans came to see.

Owens was halfway across the back of the end zone, headed for the locker room to get his new uniform, when some fans in the stands identified him and started yelling his name. Owens briefly waved his right arm in recognition.

He and buddy Chad Ochocinco were the last two to emerge from the locker room, getting another round of applause. Owens was wearing his customary No. 81 when he emerged in a white practice jersey, part of a deal he made with the previous owner.

Receiver Antonio Bryant got No. 81 when the Bengals chose him over Owens in the offseason, giving him a four-year deal. Bryant said after a morning practice that he had already talked to Owens and agreed to give up his number.

“I’m a realist,” Bryant said. “I said, ’Hey, man, I’m not going to make no big spectacle about it. You’ve got a bigger legacy and a number than I do. I’ve been on several teams like you, but I’ve changed my number several times. You’ve had the same number.

“I don’t need your money,” Bryant said. “All I want you to do is take care of one of my little league programs in Miami. Send them a small donation and we’ll go from there.”’

Titans

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he decided not to suspend Titans quarterback Vince Young over a tussle at a Dallas strip club in June.

Goodell said he saw no reason for any disciplinary action over the incident after meeting with Young earlier this week. Goodell spoke while in Green Bay, Wis., for the Packers’ annual shareholder meeting. Goodell says he reminded Young that he’s responsible for his conduct.

Young was given a misdemeanor assault citation after the fight last month was caught on surveillance video. He quickly apologized and said he hoped Goodell wouldn’t suspend him because he owned up to his mistake.

Steelers

The Steelers have reached an agreement with former Cowboys Pro Bowl offensive tackle Flozell Adams on a two-year contract.

The Steelers have sought offensive line help since right tackle Willie Colon was lost for the season last month with a torn Achilles’ tendon.

The Steelers could play the 35-year-old Adams, a former at right tackle, or shift him to his natural position of left tackle and move Max Starks to the right side.

Dolphins

Miami agreed to terms with first-round draft choice Jared Odrick and second-round selection Koa Misi agreed

Odrick, a defensive end from Penn State, agreed to a five-year deal worth $7.13 million guaranteed. The package could be worth up to $13 million, agent Drew Rosenhaus said.

Saints

Safety Darren Sharper, linebacker Clint Ingram and receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem will start training camp on the Saints’ physically unable to perform list.

General manager Mickey Loomis says all four players are expected to come off list before the first preseason game Aug. 12.

Bills

Veteran linebacker Chris Kelsay will be out indefinitely after injuring his right shoulder on the first day of training camp.

Kelsay was hurt midway through practice, when he left the field and had his shoulder immediately wrapped in ice. Kelsay wouldn’t divulge the nature of the injury as he walked off the field following the session in suburban Rochester.

An eight-year NFL veteran, Kelsay is projected to start at outside linebacker.