The Redskins have required defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to pass a conditioning test before he’ll be allowed to practice with the team. Though it’s a routine requirement, the fact that there’s nothing routine about Haynesworth’s relationship with the team makes it newsworthy.
And since a conditioning test requires as much “want to” as physical ability, the question of whether Haynesworth can pass the test could provide strong evidence as to whether he is willing to do whatever he must in order to truly be part of the team.
Given the inherently wacky nature of the entire situation, it should come as no surprise that the initial indications as to whether Haynesworth passed the conditioning test are in conflict.
Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Haynesworth passed the first part of the test but failed the second, meaning that he probably won’t be permitted to take part in team drills.
Jason Reid of the Washington Post reports that Haynesworth “killed it” during the test. That said, Reid explains that he’s waiting for confirmation.
We’re told that there’s a sense in the Haynesworth camp that coach Mike Shanahan would find a way to fail Haynesworth, regardless of how he performs.
Either way, stay tuned.