ASHBURN - The Washington Redskins signed free agent Stuart Schweigert yesterday, giving the team an extra option in the defensive backfield as it contemplates moving LaRon Landry from free safety to strong safety.

Schweigert is a free safety, having started 42 games in four seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He lost his starting job late last season and was released by the Raiders last month.

Schweigert said he's been told that Landry is the projected starter at strong safety. Landry finished last season at free safety after the death of Sean Taylor, with Reed Doughty starting at strong safety.

Defensive coordinater Greg Blache said it was too early to say where Landry will line up.

Landry was one of two players - along with cornerback Shawn Springs - unexpectedly absent yesterday as the Redskins began another set of offseason practices. Coach Jim Zorn said he had not heard from either player. Although the practices are technically voluntary, unexcused absences do not sit well.

Zorn also said that safety Vernon Fox has undergone left knee surgery for the second time this offseason. Fox had surgery in January and re-injured the knee during minicamp last month.

To make room for Schweigert on the roster, the Redskins released linebacker Rian Wallace.

Broncos drop Henry

DENVER - The Denver Broncos released running back Travis Henry, saying his commitment to the team was in question.

The Broncos signed Henry to a five-year, $22.5 million contract in March 2007. He was hampered by injuries in his only season in Denver, rushing for 691 yards on 167 carries with four touchdowns.

Henry injured a hamstring while running 100-yard sprints late last month.

Jones to join Dallas

IRVING, Texas - Adam "Pacman" Jones has been given permission by the NFL to join the Dallas Cowboys for workouts, training camps and exhibition games.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said he will decide by Sept. 1 whether the suspended cornerback will be be reinstated for the 2008 season.

Jones was suspended for all of 2007 after his run-ins with the law. Goodell said Jones must conduct himself in a "lawful and reliable manner."

Jones was acquired by the Cowboys in April in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.

Police seek Lynch

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Police investigators want to talk to Marshawn Lynch after examining the Buffalo Bills running back's vehicle, which allegedly struck and injured a pedestrian during a hit-and-run accident last weekend.

Buffalo Police Department spokesman Michael DeGeorge said investigators have attempted to contact Lynch and his lawyer. DeGeorge wouldn't go into specifics but stressed that no charges have been filed and added police are still attempting to determine who was inside the 2008 Porsche SUV when the accident occurred, early Saturday morning.

Michael Caffery, Lynch's Buffalo-based lawyer, declined to comment and also told The Associated Press that he has advised his client not to speak publicly about the investigation.

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