Albert Haynesworth has made it through his first full practice with the Washington Redskins, working as a second-string nose tackle.
"I think he looked pretty good," coach Mike Shanahan said after practice, according to *The Washington Post*. "I haven't had a chance to look at [tape of] practice on the defensive side, but what I saw looked pretty good."
Haynesworth put on his No. 92 jersey and blended right in Monday with his teammates, usually lining up between defensive ends Phillip Daniels and Darrion Scott as he ramps up his education in the team's new 3-4 defense. Coach Mike Shanahan lived up to his word that Haynesworth would not be plugged in immediately with the starters.
"Albert obviously has come in late," Shanahan said, "and he's going to have to compete to win a position."
Haynesworth wasn't allowed to practice until he passed the test. He passed it Saturday morning -- his fourth attempt -- but his knee was too sore to make it through a complete practice Saturday afternoon. Sunday was a day off for players.
"He's a great player regardless of what defense he's in," linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "That's what he finally realizes, 3-4, 2-5, it don't really matter, he can make plays. Nobody told him to stop tackling."
During his time away from practice, Haynesworth was working individually with coaches to learn the play book.
"He knows what to do," Daniels said. "The main thing is getting out here and getting in football shape."
When asked if Haynesworth would play in Friday's preseason opener against Buffalo at FedEx Field, Shanahan said, "I really don't know. It all depends on how he looks in practice, what type of football shape he's in. It takes awhile. It's one of the reasons why you do have preseason games: to get back in football shape.
"I think they're very excited," Shanahan added, referring to Haynesworth's teammates. "I think they're excited to get Albert back. I thought Albert practiced hard today. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and do everything he can do to help us win."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
