Manley Fails to Show for Redskin Practice; Meets With Gibbs, GM

Dexter Manley, Pro Bowl defensive end, did not show up for practice Friday as the Washington Redskins prepared for Sunday’s NFC wild-card game with the Rams, and later met with Coach Joe Gibbs and General Manager Bobby Beathard in a private meeting.

“He met with Coach Gibbs and Bobby Beathard, and there is no comment,” team spokesman Charlie Taylor said. “We will release a statement tomorrow.”

Gibbs said he planned to meet with Manley again today.

Manley sat out contact drills Wednesday, saying he had sprained his left foot. He gave no indication of any discontent and completed a two-hour practice Thursday.

He had missed most of training camp due to a contract dispute but finally came to terms Aug. 27, when he signed a four-year contract worth an estimated $1.6 million. He went on to have his finest season ever, making the Pro Bowl for the first time in his six-year career and finishing second in the NFL with a team-record 18 1/2 sacks.