In the always changing world of Albert Haynesworth and the Washington Redskins, things have apparently turned from worse to whatever is a step beyond that.

A week after Haynesworth joked with reporters that he and coach Mike Shanahan were going to get together for cigars and dinner, there are growing concerns about whether or not the defensive lineman will even be in uniform for the team’s season opener Sept. 12 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Citing three sources who are dialed into the situation, the Washington Post’s Jason Reid reports the club has increased concerns about Haynesworth’s “commitment to the team” after the veteran was forced to play nearly the entire fourth preseason game at Arizona on Saturday.

In a game Haynesworth would typically see very little playing time, Shanahan kept the $100 million man on the field throughout. It didn’t go well. Haynesworth was “awful” according to two team sources who Reid contacted. He gave a lousy effort and was clearly unhappy with Shanahan’s decision to ride him.

This is a lose/lose situation right now. Shanahan is exerting his power over Haynesworth at every turn and while it looked like progress had been made, this could throw things completely off balance heading into the regular season. Now, the Redskins could consider de-activating him for the opener, a move that could drive an even bigger wedge between the coach and the team’s highest-paid player. Is that what they need? He looked solid against the New York Jets in the third preseason game. Washington is better with a committed Haynesworth. You have to wonder which side will act out next.

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