Shanahan's son further muddles McNabb-Redskins mess

On Day 3 of the Washington Redskins' attempt to explain the benching of Donovan McNabb, the coach's son gave it a try. He was doing a decent job - until he threw in a new wrinkle that only added to the confusion.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that McNabb was told in advance of the possibility of getting pulled from the game if coaches felt the veteran quarterback was struggling. McNabb went on the radio and immediately claimed otherwise, saying: "I didn't hear that part."

This just happened to be the day the Redskins decided to bring in JaMarcus Russell for a workout. The former Raiders quarterback was one of many out-of-work players getting a look from the coaching staff. Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, was released in May after three disappointing seasons with the Raiders.

Mankins reports to Pats

Two-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins has reported to the New England Patriots. The team announced that Mankins had reported after refusing to sign a tender offer as an unrestricted free agent. He missed the team's three-day minicamp in June, all of training camp and the first seven games after saying he wanted to be traded. The Patriots drafted him in the first round in 2005.

Chargers waive Merriman

The San Diego Chargers have waived outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, three weeks after he was placed on injured reserve with a "minor injury" designation. The Chargers said back then that they would release Merriman once he was healthy. The Chargers also placed frequently injured wide receiver Craig Davis on injured reserve with a groin injury, meaning his season is finished. Davis hasn't lived up to his billing as a first-round draft pick in 2007. The Chargers re-signed offensive tackle Adam Terry.

- AP