Arrington’s status surprises Bailey

Include Denver cornerback Champ Bailey among those surprised LaVar Arrington is not a bigger part of the Washington Redskins defense.

Bailey was Arrington’s teammate for four seasons with the Redskins and they made three Pro Bowls together (2001-03).

Arrington was limited to two plays in the Redskins’ win over Seattle on Sunday and has two tackles in three games.

“He’s the best athlete on that team,” Bailey said. “I never saw a reason to bench LaVar when I was there. Maybe it’s different there now.”

Things are different for the Redskins, and much of their current defense doesn’t feature Arrington. Following yesterday’s two-hour practice at Redskin Park, Arrington and coach Joe Gibbs had an extended conversation.

“We were just talking,” Arrington said when asked about the details.

In an interview on Monday, Arrington expressed puzzlement with his lack of playing time. Yesterday, his teammates on defense understood Arrington’s frustration.

“I know it’s tough for him because he’s a competitor,” defensive end Renaldo Wynn said. “It’s something that they can hopefully get hashed out and squared away. I don’t know what the outcome will be.

“I definitely think he can help us because he’s a heck of a talent. Hopefully he can get more snaps and contribute. But whatever they need to get situated, they need to take care of.”

Wynn said Arrington rotated snaps with the starting defense during practice.

“I know LaVar wants to be out there a lot more than he has been,” middle linebacker Lemar Marshall said. “I know he wants to be contributing a lot more than he has been. It’s not his call. I guess when it’s time to be out there, he’ll be out there.”

Outside linebacker Marcus Washington called Arrington “one of our better players” on defense.

“I think as time goes along, they’ll work LaVar in more and more,” Washington added. “I think he’s going to be fine. With his athletic ability, every time he gets in, he can make a big play.”

Against Seattle, Warrick Holdman saw almost all of the snaps at linebacker and Chris Clemons received snaps as a pass rusher on third down.

Bailey was traded for Clinton Portis after the 2003 season. Does Arrington see a similar fate for himself?

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