"Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan Wednesday called Clinton Portis the Redskins' current starting running back, while Shanahan's father -- head coach Mike Shanahan -- confirmed that the team has made a formal contract offer to yet another back: free agent Brian Westbrook.

The two spoke separately after another round of organized team activities, but taken together, their remarks raised the prospect of the team starting training camp with four veteran running backs: Portis, Westbrook, Larry Johnson, who played for the Bengals last season, and former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker. The team added Johnson and Parker during the offseason.

"We want him to sign with us," Mike Shanahan said of Westbrook. "Like I said, it could be some great competition. I really like Brian, what he's done and how he's handled himself. I'm sure he's weighing some options. It's not too far away from home. Any more I can do?"

Reminded that Westbrook's younger brother, Byron, plays cornerback for the Redskins, Shanahan said, "I've played that card already."

Westbrook, 30, played his entire eight-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles before he was released this offseason. He is coming off two concussions that limited him to eight games and 274 yards rushing -- his lowest output since his rookie season of 2002. The St. Louis Rams also have shown interest. "