Reports: Donovan McNabb benchedESPN.com news servicesThe Washington Redskins have decided to start Rex Grossman over Donovan McNabb at quarterback in Dallas on Sunday just a month after signing McNabb to a much-ballyhooed contract extension, according to multiple media reports, which cite anonymous sources.
On Nov. 15, McNabb and the Redskins (5-8) reached agreement on a five-year contract worth up to $78.5 million -- but with only $3.5 million guaranteed as a signing bonus.
McNabb, who has a career-worst 15 interceptions this season, has started all of the Redskins' 13 games, with Grossman playing one series at the end of a Week 8 loss at Detroit. McNabb has thrown for 3,377 yards with 14 touchdown passes and a 77.1 passer rating.
The Redskins have lost five of their last six games, falling to third in the NFC East with three regular-season games to play.
On a conference call Wednesday, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was asked if McNabb would start Sunday and replied, "You want to go through our whole lineup or do you want me to go through each position or do you just want to start with the quarterback?"
Shanahan said the same practice plan has been in place all year regarding the snaps between McNabb and Grossman, but this possibility has been out there for the last couple of weeks.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has said the Cowboys would prepare for McNabb as the starter.
"He's been their quarterback and if Rex Grossman does get an opportunity to play we'll certainly respond and react to that," Garrett said Wednesday. "Both guys are established. Donovan McNabb is a special player and has been for a long time. He can beat you in so many ways. He's been their starter, so I think you prepare for him."
Grossman has not started a game since 2008 and has thrown only seven passes this year. He was with Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan last year in Houston. In a 2007 start against the Cowboys while with Chicago he completed 15 of 32 passes for 195 yards and was intercepted three times.