NFL Odds: Washington QB Donovan McNabb Iffy for Opener?

Smoke screen or is Donvan McNabb really that hurt? (AP Images)

Somewhere, the Philadelphia Eagles are smirking. Of course Philly drew some criticism for trading Donovan McNabb within the division to the rival Redskins this offseason. But the Eagles simply thought age was catching up to McNabb, who couldn’t stay healthy for a full season. And now there’s already a chance McNabb won’t be ready to open the season when the Skins face Dallas – bet on the game on Bodog’s NFL odds.

McNabb sprained his ankle in the team’s second preseason game and didn’t play in game No. 3 over the weekend. And he certainly won’t play in the final exhibition game as that’s considered basically worthless by most coaches, who don’t play their starters maybe a series. But McNabb also hasn’t practiced since injuring the ankle and didn’t again Monday. In two games, McNabb was 16-of-34 passing for 264 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a quarterback rating of 71.2. The Washington offense looked inept without him on Saturday against the Ravens.

"I really don't know for sure," Coach Mike Shanahan said of whether McNabb will be ready for the opener. "That is why it is day-by-day and we just need to see how it goes. Hopefully it won't be."

The Redskins finish the preseason Friday at the Jets, and backup QB Rex Grossman won’t play, either, just to ensure he doesn’t get hurt in case he has to start the season opener. Starting tailback Clinton Portis sprained his ankle in the 23-3 loss to Baltimore on Saturday and will miss a few days of practice this week but should be good to go for the Cowboys opener. Willie Parker will start at running back against the Jets.

Bet on Redskins futures at Bodog