REDSKINS’ QB MCNABB COULD MISS REGULAR SEASON OPENER

Donovan McNabb hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle in the Washington Redskins’ second preseason game.  Now coach Mike Shanahan is publicly saying that his quarterback may not be ready for the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 12.   McNabb sat out Friday’s preseason victory over the New York Jets, and won’t play in the Redskins’ final exhibition contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

McNabb watched Sunday’s practice from the sidelines with a black wrap on his leg, but some are suggesting that Shanahan is intentionally casting doubt in this quarterback’s return in time for the preseason opener as a bit of ‘gamesmanship’.  Shanahan, however, maintains that his concern is legitimate which is why McNabb is listed as ‘questionable’ on the official NFL injury report:

"I really don't know for sure. That's why it's day by day. We'll see how it goes."

Some coaches like to engage in ‘mental warfare’ of this type.  Often, coaches will delay naming a starting quarterback until late in the week—and in some cases waiting until game time.  Given the intense rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Redskins, it’s all but certain that if McNabb can walk he’ll play in the game.  Of course it’s to Washington’s advantage to make McNabb’s injury sound worse than it may be in hopes that Dallas will devote practice time to preparing for the more traditional quarterbacking style of his backup Rex Grossman.  The fact that McNabb won’t play in the team’s final preseason game means little, as Shanahan historically sits his starters in this spot anyway.

Shanahan was more upbeat when asked about running back Clinton Portis, who left this week’s game against the Jets with a sprained ankle:

"I don't think it's too serious. It's not a big setback. I would anticipate him being able to practice in a couple of days."

Washington will conclude their preseason schedule on Thursday night at Arizona.  The team has posted a 2-1 record during the exhibition campaign both straight up and against the spread.  The Redskins start the 2010 regular season at home against the Cowboys, with Washington a +3’ point NFL football betting underdog.  The total in the game is set at 40.