How, or if, the Redskins use Albert Haynesworth in Sunday's season opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys is one of the issues that will be addressed this week. (Photo: Jay Wescott/TBD)

At long last, Dallas Week is here. Gone is the preseason, now it’s time for the real thing.

The Washington Redskins, fresh off of roster cuts and practice squad signings, get back to work today and now begin game-planning for the Dallas Cowboys, whom they will host in their season opener at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. 

Roles have been defined for the most part, and the starting lineups are largely solidified. A few question areas still loom over Redskins Park -- some larger than others -- and they must be addressed this week. 

Let’s take a look:

1) What will Mike Shanahan do with Albert Haynesworth?
Thursday night’s inconsistent showing from Haynesworth was a continuation of what we’ve seen out of the big fella throughout training camp and the preseason.

True, it seemed like a corner had been turned when Haynesworth said all the right things following the Redskins’ preseason win over the Jets. But the on-again-off-again effort Washington got out of notorious defensive lineman was hardly a surprise.

It’s been reported that Haynesworth’s status for Sunday’s opener is in question, which also doesn’t come as much of a surprise given that Shanahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett have avoided revealing when and if Haynesworth would return to the starting line up. Haynesworth may be more talented, but he hasn’t done anything on the field to suggest that he is more worthy of starting over either nose tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu or right end Kedric Golston.

Redskins players both publicly and privately say that they need Haynesworth on the field, however. No one has said he needs to start, however. Whether he starts or not, Shanahan and Haslett need to put Haynesworth’s skills to use. This week we’ll see how or if he figures into the plans for Sunday.

2) How ready is Donovan McNabb?
If the Redskins expect to turn things around, they need a healthy, sharp McNabb, and a crisp performance in the opener will go a long way to setting the tone for this season.

But with McNabb sitting out the last two preseason games and two weeks of practice with an ankle sprain, how sharp will he be Sunday against Dallas? Shanahan said he wasn’t concerned about McNabb missing out on preparation time because the quarterback already has gained a good feel for the offense thanks to extensive work during OTAs, training camp and the first two weeks of the preseason. The coach also said McNabb still took mental reps while resting his ankle.

Most likely, McNabb sitting out the last week of the preseason was more precaution than anything. The Redskins want a fresh D-Mac under center, and he is fully expected to get back to work today. We’ll see how he feels as he and the gang put the finishing touches on their opening act’s script.

3) How will the receivers’ roles be defined?
Santana Moss is without question the starter at one wide receiver position, and Joey Galloway has spent all of camp and preseason as the starter opposite Moss. But Shanahan cautioned that Galloway isn’t necessarily that guy although he took all those reps in the preseason.

The soon-to-be 39-year-old Galloway certainly is the most proven with only Devin Thomas, Anthony Armstrong, Roydell Williams and Brandon Banks being the other members of the receiving corps. But does Shanahan have something up his sleeve? Will Galloway start? Will one of the other wideouts, or even a receiver that is not yet on the team? (The Chargers’ disgruntled Vincent Jackson and newly released T.J. Houshmandzadeh have both been rumored to be possible receiver upgrades for Washington. And the Tampa Bay Bucs cut Michael Clayton, who has ties to Washington G.M. Bruce Allen.) We shall definitely see . . ..

4) How will Shanahan divide carries for his two big-name running backs?
Clinton Portis is the starter, and Larry Johnson earned the right to be his top running mate. But how will Mike and Kyle Shanahan use them together? Will Portis get the bulk of the carries, and Johnson just be brought in for an occasional breather? Or will they shuttle in and out depending on the down and distance?

Portis has been re-energized under Shanahan and has shown good bursts in both training camp and in limited preseason action. He also is a proven pass blocker. But he has a lot of mileage on him (2,176 career carries, and 9,696 career yards). He likely will need Johnson (no spring chicken himself) to more than just make a cameo here and there.

And then there’s the third-down back’s role. Who handles that? Portis? Or does rookie Keiland Williams, who has shown an ability to both catch and block, get the nod in those situations?

5) Who returns punts and kicks?
Brandon Banks made this team by fielding punts and using his blazing speed to make things happen. But will he handle those duties right off the bat? In practices, Phillip Buchanon also fielded punts, and DeAngelo Hall and Moss also got some work in. Shanahan said he didn’t need to use Buchanon on punt returns in the preseason because the 10th-year pro is proven in that capacity. Buchanon isn’t quite as fast as Banks, but he is more sure-handed. Banks has put the ball on the ground three times in seven returns. Meanwhile, Buchanon in nine seasons has fielded 104 punts and fumbled only 11 times.

And what about kicks? Devin Thomas opened the preseason by fumbling the first kick he fielded, then was used primarily as the lead blocker the next two games before getting his chance again in the preseason finale. Thomas averaged 27 yards on four attempts last week (24.3 yards per return for the preseason as a whole). But Banks also is capable, averaging 24.7 yards per kick return, including a long of 40 yards. And, Buchanon also got some work as a kick returner in training camp as well.

Stay tuned . . .