TAMPA, Fla. — Albert Haynesworth didn’t stay unemployed long.
The Buccaneers claimed the 350-pound defensive lineman off waivers Wednesday, one day after the two-time Pro Bowl selection was released by the Patriots.
General manager Mark Dominik made the announcement, saying the Bucs more than likely would not have been interested in giving Haynesworth an opportunity to revive his career if Tampa Bay (4-4) had not lost second-year pro Gerald McCoy for the season this week because of a torn right biceps.
“I would say candidly that if Gerald wasn’t hurt right now, I probably wouldn’t do this move. But because of the situation we’re in, I felt Albert Haynesworth has the best ability of any defensive tackle out there,” Dominik said.
Haynesworth, who has 30 1/2 career sacks, emerged as one of the top tackles in the NFL during seven seasons with the Titans. But he’s been a huge disappointment since signing a seven-year, $100 million free-agent contract with Washington in 2009. In six games with the Patriots, he had three tackles and no sacks.
McFadden to sit out against Chargers
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Raiders running back Darren McFadden will sit out tonight’s game against the Chargers because of a lingering ankle sprain.
McFadden has not practiced since injuring his right foot in the first quarter of the Raiders’ 28-0 loss to the Chiefs on Oct. 23. The NFL’s leading rusher through the first month of the season has been wearing a walking boot all week and has also needed crutches to get around.
“That mid-foot sprain is really something,” Raiders coach Hue Jackson said. “You have to get back to walking first before you can do anything, so my main thing is to get him out of that walking boot first.”
Michael Bush, who rushed for 96 yards in a 38-24 loss to Denver this past Sunday, will start in place of McFadden.
Footnotes.
The Redskins promoted former University of Colorado and Broncos offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus to the 53-man roster.
• Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, nursing a right turf toe injury, said he wants to play “at all cost” Sunday against the Eagles, his former team.
• Titans safety Chris Hope returned to practice for the first time since breaking his left forearm Oct. 2 and is expected to play Sunday against the Panthers. The Associated Press
