LANDOVER, Md. — Never mind whether Donovan McNabb can go for two minutes. The Washington Redskins have decided they’d like to have him around for another five years.
And never mind whether he was worth a pair of draft picks. The Redskins figure he’s worth $40 million in guaranteed money.
Two weeks after they caused an uproar by benching him in the final 1:50 of a loss to the Detroit Lions, the Redskins on Monday signed McNabb to a five-year contract extension worth $78 million — giving top-grade money to a quarterback who is about to turn 34 and is having his worst season since he was a rookie.
Stats aside, however, the Redskins have decided the six-time Pro Bowler will remain a centerpiece in coach Mike Shanahan’s rebuilding project, even as both endure growing pains with the Redskins’ new offense.
“Once the regular season started, we really were aiming toward the bye week, and it came together,” Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said. “I think Coach and myself said that Donovan’s going to be here from the beginning and Donovan has been real clear in his intent of being a Redskin. So I think it just puts an exclamation point on it.”
No MRI for Favre.
Vikings coach Brad Childress says Brett Favre is “sore” but has no plans to get an MRI on his throwing shoulder and should be ready to play against Green Bay on Sunday.
ESPN reported on Monday that Favre expected to have an MRI on his right shoulder after experiencing pain Saturday. But Childress says team trainers spoke to Favre on Monday and didn’t think he would need the test.
Clausen has concussion.
Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay and his status for next week’s game against Baltimore is uncertain.
Coach John Fox said Monday it’s possible Clausen was hurt on Carolina’s final offensive play when he was stuffed at the goal line. If Clausen can’t play, rookie sixth-round pick Tony Pike will get the start.
Troy Smith to remain starter.
San Francisco coach Mike Singletary said Monday that Troy Smith will remain the team’s starting quarterback against Tampa Bay, even though Alex Smith is healthy and cleared to play for the first time since separating his left shoulder Oct. 24.
Footnotes.
Dolphins coach Tony Sparano says Chad Henne (left knee) might be available for Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.
• Jerricho Cotchery has a “slight” tear in his left groin that could sideline the Jets wide receiver for the team’s next game.
• Browns starting linebacker Scott Fujita has an injured left knee ligament and Cleveland coach Eric Mangini says one of his defensive captains “could be out for a little while.”
• The New York Giants are down to three healthy wide receivers — Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and rookie Duke Calhoun — after second-year receiver Ramses Barden broke his left ankle and also tore a ligament in the ankle during a loss to Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The Associated Press
