WASHINGTON — Frustrated with losing and what he said is the unwillingness of defensive coordinator Greg Blache to embrace change, Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said Friday he could not “survive another season in this system if it stays the way it is.”
Shortly after he was sent home from practice by coach Jim Zorn for disciplinary reasons, Haynesworth discussed his poor relationship with Blache.
Haynesworth expressed fear that owner Daniel Snyder’s major investment in him — the Redskins guaranteed Haynesworth $41 million in signing him last February — would be wasted unless he again is given freedom to “create havoc” as he did in his first seven seasons with the Titans.
Haynesworth’ status for the FedEx Field season finale Sunday night against the Cowboys is unclear after the latest incident in one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
“If they keep this system the way it is, then they would label Albert Haynesworth a bust who didn’t live up to the contract,” Haynesworth said. “Everybody would say he just took the money and ran off. And I’m still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that’s put around you.”
Zorn declined to specify the nature of Haynesworth’s violation, but Haynesworth reported late for a team meeting Christmas morning. He was told not to attend practice because of his tardiness, sources said, but he walked out to the practice field anyway.
“He wasn’t belligerent or nasty to me, and I was not nasty to him,” Zorn said. “It was just something that needed to be done.”
Panthers’ Williams doubtful
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Giants after missing his third straight practice with a sprained left ankle.
Reserve running back Tyrell Sutton is also doubtful after sitting out with a calf injury.
Williams was injured in the first quarter of last Sunday’s win over the Vikings and didn’t return. Jonathan Stewart replaced him and rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Stewart is questionable with a sore left Achilles’ tendon, but practiced Friday.
Quarterback Matt Moore (shoulder) and cornerback Richard Marshall (ankle) are also questionable.
Patriots’ Taylor might miss Jaguars game
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots running back Fred Taylor is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against his former team, the Jaguars.
Taylor has missed the last 10 games with an ankle injury. He participated fully in practices Wednesday and Thursday and on a limited basis Friday.
Taylor spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville and is the Jaguars’ all-time leading rusher. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent before the season.
Bills unsure about Fitzpatrick’s availability
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was limited in practice and his availability for Sunday’s game in Atlanta will be a game-time decision.
Fitzpatrick participated in individual workouts but not in practice. Brian Brohm would start if Fitzpatrick can’t go.
Spagnuolo undecided on his starting QB
ST. LOUIS — Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo still hasn’t picked a starting quarterback for St. Louis’ game at Arizona on Sunday.
Rookie Keith Null started the last two games — the first when Kyle Boller was sidelined by a thigh injury, and the second after Boller had flu-like symptoms for several days.
Denver Post wire services
