ASHBURN, Va. — Albert Haynesworth isn’t going anywhere, at least not for now.
Addressing the latest trade reports concerning the troublesome defensive tackle, coach Mike Shana- han on Wednesday said Haynesworth will be a member of the Redskins when they open the season Sunday against the Cowboys.
“Albert will be with our team on Sunday,” Shana- han said.
There was a lot Shanahan didn’t say. He didn’t deny the trade talks. He wouldn’t say whether Haynesworth will play. He didn’t say whether he and Haynesworth have put their differences behind them. And he wouldn’t commit to having Haynesworth on the roster the entire season.
“I will talk about the Dallas Cowboys,” Shanahan said. “I’m not going to talk about that. We’ll go through every situation. We’re beating a dead horse.”
Season tickets decline
NEW YORK — Season-ticket sales declined for the third year in a row as teams struggle to get fans to the stadium in a weak economy.
Depending on the final numbers, season-ticket sales will be down between 1 percent and 2 percent, according to Eric Grubman, the league’s executive vice president for business ventures.
“I wouldn’t say we’re pleased,” Grubman said.
Still, the drop could have been worse given the financial climate in the United States, he said.
“It’s been a tough economic time,” he said.
Grubman said overall attendance declined from 17 million in 2008 to 16.6 million last year. Average regular-season attendance dropped from each year from 2006 (68,774) to 2009 (67,509), according to STATS LLC.
Footnotes.
Bills rookie running back C.J. Spiller was named the starter for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.
• Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle) was in full pads for the first time since Aug. 28 and practiced on a limited basis.
• Giants safety Kenny Phillips, who underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee last September, worked with the first team during preparations for Sunday’s season opener against the Panthers.
• The Jaguars signed guard Uche Nwaneri to a five-year extension reportedly worth $24 million.
• The Colts released offensive lineman Tony Ugoh and claimed Joe Reitz off waivers from Miami.
• The Raiders signed former Giants defensive lineman Jay Alford and released former Broncos offensive lineman Erik Pears.
• The Saints re-signed tight end Tory Humphrey and waived cornerback Leigh Torrence.
The Associated Press
