Albert Haynesworth will not be benched for the season opener.

The Washington Redskins are expected to use the $100 million man in a reserve role Sunday night when they kick off the season with a prime-time meeting against the rival Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field.

Ed Werder of ESPN reports that Haynesworth has been informed he will play primarily on passing downs. Haynesworth wants to rush the passer, so that will give him an opportunity to get after quarterback Tony Romo.

There was speculation in the past two weeks that Haynesworth, who has been feuding with coach Mike Shanahan, would be inactive for the opener. Speculation mounted earlier this week that the Redskins were working to engineer a trade that would send Haynesworth to his former team, the Tennessee Titans.

Shanahan debunked trade talk and now it’s apparent he will be with the team to start the season. Can he and Shanahan finally get on the same page? That’s debatable. If Haynesworth embraces his role, however underused he believes he is, perhaps he can make an impact.

Follow me on Twitter: BradBiggs

Click here to purchase the Total Access Pass/ Fantasy Draft Guide from the NFP and receive a free Deuce Brand watch while supplies last.