"Veteran running back Clinton Portis will accept whatever role he is asked to play, even if he must serve as Ryan Torain's backup, if he returns this season from a severe groin injury, Portis said Tuesday during a radio interview.

During his weekly appearance on 106.7 The Fan's The Mike Wise Show with Holden Kushner, Portis said he still has no timetable for his return. Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan has declined to commit to Portis beyond saying he would be given a chance to contribute, and the nine-year veteran has been around long enough to understand how things work.

"I mean, there's no guarantees in life, man," Portis said. "I think what I need to do is go out and be able to help this team however I can. I think that's a decision for them to make. And when they make the decision, I still got to come to work and I still got to get the job done."

During his Monday news conference, Shanahan ruled out Portis from the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Redskins begin their bye week after the game.

Shanahan hopes that Portis, who will continue to undergo treatment during the break, will be well enough to return to the lineup when the Redskins resume their schedule Nov. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field.

Portis would "really love to be back for that game" against Philadelphia, he said. "That's a big divisional rivalry for us. That's gonna be a big game. So if I could be back on the field for that game it would be great."

Whenever Portis does return, however, he has no assurances of regaining his starting job."