JaMarcus Russell works out with the Redskins

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell worked out with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, two days after Donovan McNabb was benched in the closing minutes of a loss to Detroit.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Russell was one of many players, including at least one other quarterback (J.P. Losman), who were getting a look from the team.

“We’ll evaluate him and everyone else out there,” Shanahan said.

The Redskins routinely invite out-of-work players for workouts on Tuesdays, but the timing of Russell’s visit only added to the team’s quarterback drama of the last few days. McNabb’s benching raised questions about the six-time Pro Bowl player’s future with the team, and Coach Mike Shanahan added to the confusion by offering varying explanations for the decision.

Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, was released in May after three disappointing seasons with the Raiders. He regressed on the field, was fined for being overweight and was criticized by the coaching staff for his work ethic.

Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that McNabb was told in advance of the possibility of getting pulled from Sunday’s game if coaches felt the veteran quarterback was struggling. McNabb went on the radio and claimed otherwise, saying: “I didn’t hear that part.”

Moss hits waiver wire

Two people with knowledge of Randy Moss’ status told the Associated Press that the Minnesota Vikings have waived the receiver.

Vikings Coach Brad Childress told his players Monday that he intended to waive Moss. He released a statement saying he felt the move was in the best interests of the team “both in the short and long term.”

Teams will have until 4 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday to place a claim on Moss. The team with the worst record will win the claim.

Chargers waive Merriman

The San Diego Chargers have waived outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, three weeks after he was put on injured reserve with a “minor injury” designation. The Chargers said back then that they would release Merriman once he was healthy.

Lack of TV hampered Steelers’ challenge

The Pittsburgh Steelers apparently didn’t challenge a possible touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall against the New Orleans Saints because their assistant coaches stationed in the press box couldn’t see the same replays that were viewed by the millions of fans watching on TV on Sunday.

On a second-down play from the two early in the second quarter, the officials ruled Mendenhall didn’t get the ball across the goal line before being brought down. NBC replays appeared to show the ball touching the goal line before Mendenhall was tackled, but Coach Mike Tomlin didn’t challenge the call.

Mendenhall was tackled for no gain on third down, and the Steelers settled for Jeff Reed’s 19-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead, rather than the 7-0 lead if Mendenhall had scored. The Saints won, 20-10.

Etc.

Two-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins reported to the New England Patriots, ending a long holdout. Mankins, who wanted a contract extension, had stayed away since deciding not to sign the team’s tender offer by June 14, the day before minicamp began. The team did not announce how much Mankins would be paid for the rest of the season. . . . San Francisco 49ers center Eric Heitmann has been put on season-ending injured reserve, clearing roster room for the addition of linebacker Thaddeus Gibson. . . . The Jacksonville Jaguars signed offensive tackle Guy Whimper and released linebacker Eric Alexander.