Donovan McNabb says the Redskins need Albert Haynesworth. (Photo: Associated Press)

Making his weekly appeareance on ESPN 980's Sports Fix, Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb expressed support for Albert Haynesworth.

The quarterback told the radio show's host Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro, that on-going Haynesworth drama, "hasn't become a distraction." He added that, "The one thing that I try to do -- as well as the rest of the guys -- is not let it affect the locker room. Albert is a guy that’s one of our brothers in the locker room and we want to protect him and make sure that he’s taken care of and he’s fine."

McNabb said that he sees Haynesworth working hard to learn his role in the Redskins' defense, and that the big fella is too valuable to lose.

"We can’t win without him," McNabb said. "He plays a major part on our defense, and everyone knows that."

McNabb called how things have played out between Haynesworth and coach Mike Shanahan, "unfortunate," but he believes Haynesworth will remain a Redskin.

When asked about the ESPN report that the Redskins and Titans have renewed trade talks involving Haynesworth, McNabb said, "I don’t know what Chris Mortensen or anybody in the organization [has said]. But as a player, you would want Albert to be here."

McNabb also said that he will start Sunday night in the season opener agianst the Cowboys, and that although the Redskins have yet to give him a contract extension, he expects things to be taken care of and for him to remain in Washington beyond this season. For now, however, his only concern is the Dallas Cowboys.