Redskins' Shanahan being patient with Haynesworth

ASHBURN, Va. - This isn't exactly what the Redskins had in mind when they plunked down $100 million last year for free-agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

The 29-year-old Haynesworth, who missed the entire offseason conditioning program under new coach Mike Shanahan, has made it through only five of 18 training camp practices. He missed the first nine days of camp because he couldn't pass the team's conditioning test.

Haynesworth was pulled out of practice Tuesday because he wasn't feeling well, and he hasn't practiced since because of dehydration and headaches. He's not likely to play in Saturday night's game against the Ravens.

But Shanahan isn't pushing the panic button yet, and he's treating Haynesworth's frequent absences as if he's been injured.

"I look at a guy that missed as a guy that just sprained his ankle and can't play,'' Shanahan said. "When he's able to go, you want him to come in and be the best football player he can be and help your team win."

Shanahan said he's optimistic Haynesworth eventually will return and be productive. "I'm sure hoping so," the coach said. "He's a very talented athlete, and he has a ton of potential. Hopefully, there will be no setbacks."

Haynesworth played a limited role in the preseason opener against the Bills. "He played only eight plays last week, but in the eight plays he was in, he was at full speed,'' Shanahan said. "Hopefully, he can get comfortable in our system and help us down the road."

Haynesworth had complained about the team's switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 alignment in which he'd be asked to play nose tackle. He has played his entire career in a 4-3 system, in which he is able to rush the passer. As a nose tackle in the 3-4, he is mostly asked to occupy blockers. But the Redskins also plan to use him as an end in the 3-4, in which case he'd be able to rush the quarterback.