After a week filled with rumors and denials in Washington, it appears that Mike Shanahan really has decided to go with the nuclear option at quarterback: Rex Grossman.

Kelli Johnson of Comcast Sportsnet in Washington reports that Grossman will get the call Sunday in Dallas over Donovan McNabb. She’s told the Redskins locker room is “divided and guys are extremely upset.”

We’re waiting to confirm this news. (Johnson had a source Tuesday saying the change was unlikely.)

If it’s true, imagine how McNabb feels. Coming off a decent effort against the Bucs, McNabb said he would expect to hear from his coach if there was any chance he was getting benched this week.

“I would have hoped,” McNabb said Wednesday. “That’s professionalism. Communication.”

The longer this ugly, bizarre year in Washington drags on, the less likely it seems McNabb will be communicating with Shanahan at all during the 2011 season.

UPDATE: The report has been confirmed by the Washington Post. This is a strong statement by the Shanahans. They already gave their financial apology to McNabb, so this looks like a possible first step in saying goodbye.