Per Shanahan - McNabb will start at Dallas

[CRedskinsRule]

On Shanahan's Saturday night show, he was asked specifically if McNabb would start and without hesitation he said yes, that he will and that he will start practicing this week.

I fully expected DM to start, but thought he might still be "coy". He wasn't. He was very clear that he expects DM to start.

[skinsfaninok]

Wasn't too worried but I am glad to hear this

[Longtimefan]

I never thought for a minute he wouldn't play, but it is good hearing it from the horse's mouth.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

yep.... sweet. not that any of us actually had any doubt though.

[mooby]

Yeah he was probably trying to see if he could bait the Cowboys into not preparing for McNabb 100% and then when he realized they aren't falling for that at all he just decided to come out and say the truth.

[skinsfan_nn]

RI-

Posted at 2:34 PM ET, 09/ 6/2010
McNabb takes snaps with starters at practice

Quarterback Donovan McNabb took snaps with the starters at practice Monday afternoon and showed no obvious signs that his ankle is still bothering him.

All of the Redskins players except for safety Kareem Moore (knee) were present during the portion of practice that's open to the media.

Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was not taking any snaps with the starters. As the team went through its nickel packages, it appeared that Haynesworth had been bumped from first to second string.

During the early portion of practice, linebacker Perry Riley appeared to be doing sidework.

[Ruhskins]

Interesting stat....

davidelfin
NFC East rookie roundup: Dallas, 8; New York, 7: Philadelphia, 11; Washington 5. #Redskins hardly helping themselves getting younger.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I never thought for a minute he wouldn't play, but it is good hearing it from the horse's mouth.

I 95% agree. I was a little worried given McNabb's injury history, but him playing definately helps me to like him more after years of hating him. My thought was "he better play damn it"

[Parrotthead1]

[Longtimefan]

He say's his ankle is not 100% but he's going to play anyway

[mbedner3420]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

He say's his ankle is not 100% but he's going to play anyway

I truly hope Defenses won't go after him like they will favre with his ankle issue...because God knows I won't be able to stare at Sexy Rexy for the remainder of the season - I just won't have it.

[Dirtbag59]

The Cooley-McNabb connection
11:16
AM ET
Chris Cooley | Redskins
TopEmail

This season, the Washington Redskins may run a lot of plays out of formations where both Chris Cooley and Fred Davis are on the field, per Rick Maese of the Washington Post. This double-TE strategy is based primarily on two things: the talent level of Cooley and Davis, and the lack of options at wide receiver behind Santana Moss.

In addition, Cooley thinks that McNabb is the type of QB to trust his arm to get the ball into tight spots than his predecessor Jason Campbell. "I expect to get more balls thrown to me with Donovan and more opportunity in coverage when I don't expect passes than with Jason," Cooley said.

Another benefit of using two TEs is making use of them as extra blockers in the running game. Although the Redskins made improving the offensive line a major priority this offseason -- drafting Trent Williams, trading for Jammal Brown and signing Artis Hicks -- it's still a work in progress. Having an extra body out there to control the edge will be vital.

- Tim Kavanagh