Clinton Portis News: Pro Sports Daily

Redskins' Portis to miss second straight game

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November 20

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis will miss his second straight game Sunday because of the effects of the concussion he suffered Nov. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Jim Zorn said Portis "is just foggy enough" for him not to let the two-time Pro Bowl selection practice, let alone face the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys. "I want to see him practice, and I want to see him have those days where when he practices he doesn't have residual problems," Zorn said. "And right now, he can't even practice, so we'll keep him out this week." Portis had started 40 straight games before Sunday. Washington is 4-6 in the 10 games Portis has missed during his six seasons with the ..."

Sellers prefers to let actions speak for him

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November 20

Washington Post

"After word emerged about the locker-room altercation earlier this season between running back Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Sellers, some Redskins fans criticized Sellers's blocking on Internet message boards and sports-talk radio shows. During a 16-13 victory in Week 4 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Portis went to coaches in an effort to have Sellers demoted for what Portis deemed to be poor blocking. Apparently in siding with Portis, fans criticized Sellers for the team's unproductive running game to start the season, believing Portis would have been more effective if Sellers had blocked better. But many in the organization told me Sellers's blocking was not what had derailed the ..."

Zorn says Portis 'very doubtful' to play

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November 20

Washington Post

"Coach Jim Zorn stopped short of ruling Clinton Portis out for Sunday's game at Dallas, but he said the Redskins' star running back is "very doubtful" to play. "But I don't want to count him out," Zorn said Wednesday after practice. Portis wasn't present at practice and is at risk of missing his second game since suffering a concussion - the second of his career -- on Nov. 8 in Atlanta. Zorn said Portis worked out early Wednesday morning -- to get "a little sweat going," Zorn said -- and Portis experienced some blurriness. Portis attended the weekly team meeting but left Redskins Park to visit a Washington doctor and missed the running backs' position meeting. Zorn laid out a timeline that ..."

Are Portis' best days behind him?

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November 18

Washington Times

"Lying pressed against the artificial turf inside the Georgia Dome, briefly unconscious and later unable to remember what happened, Clinton Portis looked like he smacked into a wall. Maybe he already had. It's a dirty job, NFL running backs. They get beat up and worn out, and that's just the physical part. Doubt and hesitation tug at the psyche. Diminishing returns arrive faster than at other positions. Portis' career workload raises the question of whether that is now happening to him. He is, after all, in his sixth season with the Washington Redskins and his eighth as a professional. Portis, who suffered a concussion against Atlanta two weeks ago and missed Sunday's win over Denver, has ..."

Portis cautious about return

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November 17

Washington Examiner

"Clinton Portis said he won't rush back from his concussion, which already has sidelined him for most of one game and all of another. Nor will he return just to regain control of the starting job -- coach Jim Zorn has said repeatedly that Portis will not lose that grip anyway. "I don't think I can just rush back and have a miraculous recovery," he said on the John Thompson Show on ESPN 980. "I've got to play it safe and I've got to do what's best for me....As long as Ladell [Betts] runs well, there's no need for me to rush back. But as soon as I get back, I would love to contribute.""

Redskins' Portis will regain job

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November 17

Washington Post

"A day after his team snapped its four-game losing streak, Redskins Coach Jim Zorn tiptoed across the running back tightrope Monday. With one player who struggled at times during the team's slump and another who helped bust the team out of it, Zorn was careful not to offend either. Zorn did make clear, however, that despite Ladell Betts's impressive performance the past two Sundays, when Clinton Portis is healthy again, he'll remain the team's starting running back. "I don't want this to be something where Ladell came in and did a wonderful job -- good grief, he really did a tremendous job -- and yet have Clinton lose his job because Ladell came in in support," Zorn said. "I think it's ..."

Portis officially ruled out; Smith may go on IR

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November 13

Washington Post

"Top running back Clinton Portis (concussion) will not play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at FedEx Field, Coach Jim Zorn said today after practice. "We kept Clinton at home just to get rest," Zorn said. "That was kind of the doctor's orders." With Portis ruled out this week, Ladell Betts is expected to start against Denver. But Betts, who provided a spark after Portis was injured against Atlanta, left practice early because of an ankle injury. "Ladell Betts tried to go early," Zorn said. "Really couldn't finish. His ankle's still getting better." Running backs Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther are behind Betts, who rushed for 70 yards (he had a 4.7-yard average) and a touchdown ..."

Portis called 'very, very doubtful' for Sunday

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November 12

Washington Post

"Coach Jim Zorn all but ruled out running back Clinton Portis from Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, saying Portis, who suffered a concussion Sunday, is "very, very doubtful." Portis, who did not attend practice, met with Zorn at Redskins Park before leaving to consult with a physician and review an impact test Portis underwent after he suffered the concussion early during Washington's 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. "I had him in my office this morning and he was still ... you could tell that he wasn't quite 100 percent," Zorn said. "We're not going to mess around with any concussion. He does have a concussion." Quarterback Jason Campbell has encouraged Portis to be careful with ..."

Concussion shelves Redskins' Portis early in loss

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November 9

Washington Times

"Already missing three key players from their offense, the Washington Redskins could ill-afford to be without yet another player - let alone Clinton Portis. But that's exactly what they had to deal with Sunday after Portis left early in the 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a concussion. The running back became the Redskins' fourth starter - and third 2008 Pro Bowl pick - to be sidelined. Portis, the NFL's leading rusher a year earlier, suffered a concussion when he and Atlanta safety Thomas DeCoud banged helmets with 3:01 left in the first quarter. Portis lay on the turf for a couple of minutes before being helped to his feet. "He got knocked out and was a little woozy," coach Jim ..."

Redskins go down fighting

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November 9

Washington Post

"Of all the unsettling developments in another disappointing season for the Washington Redskins, this could be the most troubling: They have eight games remaining. That's a sobering reality for a team that failed again despite its most spirited second-half performance of the season in a 31-17 loss Sunday afternoon to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Although the Redskins finally pushed back and made things interesting after being overwhelmed in the first two quarters in front of 67,982, the offensive line's major deficiencies in pass protection and the defense's alarming recent habit of giving up big-play touchdowns proved too much to overcome against an NFC opponent fighting to ..."

Portis reflects on his subpar start

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November 5

Washington Post

"For Clinton Portis, there's a bright side to the Washington Redskins' dismal start. The running back stopped short of calling the current season the most frustrating of his career, though in contrast, he says all the ones that came before it look a bit better. "You appreciate all the other seasons you had. You sit and think, like, 'Oh man, I had a horrible season.' But this is really a horrible season," Portis said. "It makes the seasons that you had success that much better." In his eight seasons in the league, Portis hasn't been through many seasons like this one. His own struggles have mirrored those of the team. Portis has rushed for one touchdown and 490 yards thus far, the ..."

Living under the microscope

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October 22

Washington Examiner

"The reaction in the stadium is loud, intense and directed right at them. The players don't like it, but they know it's coming when a team is struggling. Going out in public is another matter, especially when players are enduring a season like this one. "Everyone feels like they know what the answer is," running back Clinton Portis said. "'They should bench you. What do you think, they should bench you?' At the time, people have the craziest ideas. They think they're on to something. My reply to them is, 'How would you feel if you weren't producing and you was the guy they was going to fire. Just to get the morale up in the building, we're gonna get you out of here.'" Portis said no fan has ..."

Redskins' Portis, Sellers get into spat

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October 10

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis and Mike Sellers went to the 2008 Pro Bowl as a backfield tandem. But WRC-TV reported Thursday that the teammates got into a heated argument this week at Redskin Park about the latter's blocking, one that required other players to separate them. The Redskins declined to let Portis and Sellers talk to reporters Friday, and coach Jim Zorn said the incident was blown out of proportion. It was the cap to a crazy week in which Sherman Lewis was brought out of a 4 1/2-year retirement to be an offensive consultant and defensive coordinator Greg Blache decided he's no longer speaking to the media - all after a 16-13 victory against Tampa Bay. "This is just ..."

Portis and Sellers Have a Heated Verbal Exchange

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October 10

Washington Post

"Redskins running back Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Sellers had a heated exchange this week over Portis's frustration with Sellers's blocking this season, confronting the team with another potentially divisive issue as it prepares to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. No punches were thrown during the argument, which occurred Monday at Redskins Park, but the players had to be separated and restrained, according to the multiple sources. According to their account, Sellers confronted Portis after learning the team's star running back requested to have Sellers removed from the game during Sunday's 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field. Portis and Sellers declined ..."

Portis Gets His Opportunity to Carry the Day

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October 5

Washington Post

"The breathless reports, it turns out, are simply a means to while away a Sunday morning before the NFL kicks off its games. In some cases, the personnel updates that stream across the Internet and through televisions nationwide are meaningful. In Clinton Portis's, they are not. "You know, it's really going to be impossible to keep me off the field," Portis said Sunday night, baggy jeans covering his powerful legs, enormous round shades covering his eyes. "Y'all feed into the game-time decision, and hopefully he's going to play, and it's breaking news. Unless I got a cast or some crutches, I'm playing." Portis played Sunday, and though his sheer numbers -- 98 yards on 25 carries, a 3.9 ..."

Source: Portis to play

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October 4

ESPN.com

"Banged-up running back Clinton Portis will play for Washington against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, a Redskins official told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Portis is nursing a bruised calf after getting kicked in the second half of last week's loss to Detroit. He's also been hindered by bone spurs in both ankles. Portis is off to one of the slowest starts of his career, with 183 yards on 47 carries through three games for the Redskins (1-2)."

Portis questionable but likely to play

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October 3

Washington Times

"Ailing running back Clinton Portis is a game-time decision for the second straight week, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn said after Friday's practice. Portis, who did not take any reps in practice all week after getting kicked in his calf in last week's loss to Detroit, agreed with that assessment. Still, both the coach and running back expect Portis to play Sunday against Tampa Bay at FedEx Field. Portis officially is listed as questionable - just as he was a week ago, when his main woe was lingering bone spurs in his ankle. "My struggle is if I put him out there, am I just gonna do this over and over again?" Zorn said. "And I do need to get him well. That is my dilemma. I'm leaning ..."

Patient Portis Says His Time Is Coming

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October 1

Washington Post

"The buzzwords around the Washington Redskins' locker room were familiar for a struggling team that's desperate to align its level of success with its level of talent. While most players suggested it's a matter of execution, a matter of accountability or a matter of consistency, the star running back is not caught up in the hysteria or sense of urgency that surrounds Redskins Park this week. For Clinton Portis, it's a matter of time. "It's only a matter of time before I have a 200-yard game," Portis said. "It's only a matter of time before I have a 150-yard game. It's only a matter of time before I get two or three touchdowns. It's just the fact, when's it coming? I know it's coming. But ..."

Redskins Can't Get Portis Going and Ground Game Suffers

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September 28

Washington Post

"In their season opener, the Detroit Lions allowed New Orleans running back Mike Bell to rush for 143 yards. A week later, Minnesota's Adrian Peterson blitzed the Lions for 92 yards. So entering Sunday's game against the Redskins, Detroit might have seemed vulnerable against the run. Instead, the Redskins and their stagnant rushing game were run out of town in a bruising 19-14 loss. Redskins running back Clinton Portis finished with just 42 yards on 12 carries, and Washington netted only 65 yards on the ground against a Detroit team that gave up 269 rushing yards in its first two games. Coach Jim Zorn said the team's game plan against the Lions called for the offense to establish its early ..."

Portis to play through pain

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September 26

Washington Times

"Clinton Portis did not practice Friday, and the Washington Redskins listed the running back as questionable for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Coach Jim Zorn, however, said Portis will play. "His ankles have been sore," Zorn said. "We've got many [other backs] to choose from, but I expect Clinton to be out there ripping around." Portis, who has started every game since he finished the 2006 season on injured reserve with a broken hand, declined to comment. Zorn said Portis has been suffering from bone spurs in both ankles - a difficulty the coach had not revealed this season. "It's been happening, not all preseason, but he's got a couple little spurs that are irritating," Zorn ..."

Redskins' Portis ready to share the load

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September 17

Washington Times

"Clinton Portis thought he was in for a monster day when he broke through the right side of the New York Giants' defense on his first play of the season opener Sunday. "After that run, I was like, 'Oooh! 150, baby!' " the Washington Redskins' Pro Bowl running back said. Not even close. Portis ran for 34 yards on that first attempt but didn't get halfway to 150 for the day - he managed just 28 yards on his remaining 15 carries. "It was just a little off here and there," coach Jim Zorn said of the faltering ground game. And with that plunge in production, the Redskins' chances of upsetting the defending NFC East champions on the road vanished. The numbers don't lie: The Redskins win when ..."

Redskins Succeed When Portis Does, but Back Isn't Clamoring for More Touches

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September 17

Washington Post

"Before practice Wednesday, Chris Cooley walked to the bulletin board near the entrance of the Washington Redskins' locker room and used a pushpin to hang a copy of an e-mail he had just received from a fan. The letter quickly erupted into a string of bawdy insults, more than two dozen angry expletives and ripped no fewer than seven players, from Jason Campbell to Clinton Portis. "YOU [expletive] NEED TO START PLAYING WITH SOME HEART, PASSION, AND LOVE FOR THE GAME Instead out there collecting paychecks," it said. "The only team I see out there with some heart are the cheerleaders." Just about every Redskins player knows he's ripe for scrutiny and dissection heading into the home opener ..."

Focus on Portis' future has been running wild

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August 4

Washington Times

columnist Dan Daly

"Too much attention is being paid these days to the wear on Clinton Portis' tires - and whether it might be wise for him take out some more collision coverage. Granted, he's 9,202 yards down the road and turns 28 next month, but correct me if I'm wrong: Aren't we living in the Era of the Forward Pass? Are running backs, even backs as productive as Portis, really that important in the grand scheme of things? Joe Montana won his first Super Bowl with Ricky Patton and Earl Cooper in the backfield. Tom Brady won two rings with Antowain Smith and Kevin Faulk as his main ball carriers. And Peyton Manning, let's not forget, finally won the Lombardi Trophy the year after Edgerrin James left in ..."

Running Into His Twilight

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August 2

Washington Post

"Work began Saturday at Redskins Park, and work, for the moment, meant Clinton Portis jogged backwards, just loosening up in a line with his teammates. Fans along the sideline howled his name, mere movement by the team's star running back enough to get them going in the early-morning heat, and he raised his right hand by way of acknowledgment. At that point, with the work started, Portis was just two weeks removed from a 10-day sojourn to, of all places, Berlin, where what they call football is soccer, where he could think not of the work but of the pleasure, where he would be neither recognized nor harassed nor asked about how much he would practice or whether he really gets along with ..."

Portis might skip workouts

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January 29

Washington Times

"Appearing at the Tampa Convention Center on Wednesday to promote next month's Pro Bowl, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis said he and coach Jim Zorn are on the same page but was noncommittal about participating in the team's offseason workout program. "I'm going to play it by ear," he said. "I'm going to be taking my time. I know I'm winding down. I'm going to take my time and make the decision best for me to help carry this team." After signing an extension last year that guaranteed him at least $15.7 million through 2010, Portis was present for the full schedule of organized team activities. Portis will make his second Pro Bowl appearance Feb. 7 and first since coming to ..."

Gore gets milestone in front of friend Portis

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December 29

Contra Costa Times

"Frank Gore was happy to reach a rushing milestone. Especially, he said, "in front of my boy." He was referring to Clinton Portis. The two have a friendly rivalry dating back to their days as University of Miami teammates. Portis had an up-close view Sunday as Gore became the first running back in 49ers history to reach 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. After sitting out the two previous games because of an ankle injury, Gore gutted his way to 58 yards on 11 carries against the Washington Redskins. He needed 22 yards to get the milestone. "I'm happy. Everybody wanted me to do it today," Gore said. "My O-line, they wanted it. All of my teammates wanted it." Gore was still hobbling. ..."

Portis shakes off back troubles, finds the end zone

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December 22

Washington Times

"Clinton Portis won't list this game in his pantheon of highlight performances, but the Pro Bowl running back did score the touchdown that lifted the Washington Redskins past the visiting Philadelphia Eagles 10-3 in Sunday's home finale. Portis finished with just 70 yards on 22 carries, but coming on the heels of five losses in six games and against the NFC's top defense just two days after he woke up with back spasms, it was satisfying. "I don't think nobody on our team had been Christmas shopping," Portis said. "I haven't bought one gift. [Now] you tend to buy a gift you wouldn't normally have. Before this week, everybody would probably [have received] $50 gift certificates." The biggest ..."

Heading Into Final, Injuries Cost Team a Hand and a Leg

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December 22

Washington Post

"The Washington Redskins reported two injuries from their 10-3 victory over Philadelphia at FedEx Field yesterday, with running back Clinton Portis suffering a bruised right hand and defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander suffering a hamstring injury. Alexander's injury forced him out of the game, while Portis returned. Portis has been in out of games and practices for weeks, and he was again slowed yesterday. He rushed 22 times for just 70 yards one week after rushing 25 times for 77 yards, with backup Ladell Betts continuing to take on a bigger role, particularly on third downs and in the passing game. Alexander, a promising young lineman who also shines on special teams and plays as an ..."

Williams, not Portis, deserves Pro Bowl spot

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December 18

Charlotte Observer

"DeAngelo Williams was at home Tuesday when he learned he had not made the Pro Bowl. Did the savvy and sophisticated NFL send a representative to his door or a text to his telephone? Williams learned the old-fashioned way. He took a break from his video game, went on the Internet, checked the Pro Bowl roster and saw he was not on it. Panthers fans are roiling about the snub. Williams is not. "I don't care," he says after practice Wednesday. "When going to the Pro Bowl means going to the Super Bowl, I'll care about it." Selected were running backs Adrian Peterson, who leads the league in rushing, Michael Turner, who is second, and Clinton Portis, who is third. Although Williams is fourth, he ..."

What Makes Clinton Portis Run?

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December 14

Washington Post

"When the days end and Clinton Portis climbs into his car at Redskins Park -- which, depending on the season or the day of the week or his mood, could be the Maserati or the Bentley or the Maybach, and don't think the choices stop there -- he winds his way back through the woods and up the driveway to his seven-bedroom mansion tucked into the Northern Virginia suburbs. Whether he has practiced or not, whether he has commented on the state of his health or his team or his coaching staff, he is in a cocoon there. "My home," he said last week, leaning on the back of the gold sectional couch that dominates his living room. His mother, Rhonnel Hearn, may have cooked dinner if Clinton wasn't ..."

Redskins move on from Portis' comments

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December 11

Washington Examiner

"Casey Rabach summed up his - and many of his teammates' - thoughts on what Clinton Portis said during his weekly radio appearance. "It's Clinton," he said. "We've had this before." So for some it was business as usual - putting out a Portis-created fire. But there was an asterisk for others. One player said Portis had an agenda with his comments. Then he added, "He said what a lot of players were thinking. But why not wait three more weeks?" In other words, wait until the season is over - and not during a stretch where the Redskins have lost four games out of five - before voicing his opinion. "It was dumb," another player said. "It's something you take with a grain of salt with Clinton," ..."

Portis, Zorn say dispute is settled

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December 11

Washington Times

"Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis conducted a 10-minute, iron-out-the-differences meeting on Wednesday, and when it was over the coach of the Washington Redskins and his star running back declared their public dust-up to be finished as quickly as it flared up. "There was something on my chest that I needed to get off, and I did," Portis said of his radio show appearance Tuesday, in which he criticized Zorn for benching him during the second half of Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. "Anytime you get something off your chest that you need to get off your chest ... you feel less stressed. We're on the same page. We realize it was a situation we let go too far." Said Zorn, "We had an ..."

Portis rips Zorn on radio

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December 10

Washington Times

"Restrained in his comments Sunday night, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis used his weekly radio appearance to rant about a lack of playing time in the loss to Baltimore. His target: Coach Jim Zorn. "If my coaches don't feel I can get it done, put me on the sidelines," Portis said during his weekly appearance on ESPN 980's "The John Thompson Show." "If they feel I can help the team, put me on the field." Portis was on the bench for all but two of the Redskins' second-half offensive snaps, replaced after the first series by Ladell Betts and Mike Sellers. Portis has carried only 22 times in the Redskins' past two games, losses that have stalled their playoff chase. "We got a ..."

Portis Sounds Off on Zorn For Benching, Play-Calling

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December 10

Washington Post

"A day after Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn said Clinton Portis's lack of practice contributed to his benching during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the running back fired back yesterday, pointedly criticizing the coach's communication and decision-making. In his weekly radio appearance on WTEM-980's "The John Thompson Show," Portis dismissed as "B.S." Zorn's suggestion that missing practice had hurt the execution of his assignments. He said he was at every meeting and every practice last week, noted teammates had played on Sunday after missing practice the week before and guaranteed he knows the playbook better than any player besides the quarterbacks. "When have I ..."

Portis's Lack of Practice A Factor in Limited Role

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December 9

Washington Post

"Redskins Coach Jim Zorn said the absence of star running back Clinton Portis during all but one series in the second half of Sunday night's 24-10 loss in Baltimore was due not only to the situation in the game -- the Redskins trailed by two touchdowns -- but to Portis's inability to practice during the previous week. Portis, the NFL's third-leading rusher, had only one carry in the second half and finished with 32 yards rushing, his second-lowest output of the season. His first-quarter fumble was scooped up by Baltimore safety Ed Reed and returned for a touchdown that put the Redskins in a 14-0 hole. Portis suggested in television interviews as he came off the field that he had been ..."

Portis Sits Out Practice With Stiffness in Neck

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December 5

Washington Post

"RB Clinton Portis (knee, hip, neck) watched practice for the second straight day. Portis has continued to experience neck soreness after being injured as he was tackled in the second quarter of Sunday's 23-7 loss to the New York Giants at FedEx Field. "He's still trying to loosen up his stiff neck," Redskins Coach Jim Zorn said. "I think we've talked about it for the same way the last three weeks. And each week, he seems to start getting a little bit better, but he did take a pretty good bash in the head. It really did stiffen up his neck like a whiplash." . . . CB Shawn Springs sat out practice again yesterday because of a lingering calf injury, but Zorn expressed hope Springs would play ..."

Ravens expect Portis to play

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December 4

Baltimore Sun

"As usual this time of season, when you play the Redskins, there are numerous reports about injuries to running back Clinton Portis, and whether he will or won't play. It was the same with former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will be prepared regardless if Portis plays or not. "We'll be studying Ladell Betts [Portis' backup] anyway," Harbaugh said. "Clinton Portis, we expect him to be there, no question about it. But Ladell Betts, having seen him plenty of times over the years as a returner and running back, he's a starting-caliber running back in the NFL."

For Portis, Pain Precludes Practice

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December 4

Washington Post

"Running back Clinton Portis watched practice from the sideline yesterday at Redskins Park. It has been a familiar spot for him between games recently. "Just whole body sore. Getting old," Portis said during a group interview as his teammates entered the locker room. "It's rough out there." Hampered by injuries throughout the season, Portis -- the NFL's second-leading rusher -- suffered a neck injury during Sunday's 23-7 loss to the New York Giants at FedEx Field. Despite an array of physical problems, including severe knee and hip pain, Portis has not missed a game and must push forward, he said, with Washington's once-promising season threatening to slip away. The Redskins (7-5) hope to ..."

Ailing Portis could sit out against Baltimore

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December 2

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn said he hasn't ruled out resting Clinton Portis on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. United Press International Redskins running back Clinton Portis jammed his neck during Sunday's loss to the Giants. Portis, who led the NFL in rushing before being held to 22 yards on 11 carries in Sunday's 23-7 loss to the New York Giants, added a jammed neck to the oblique muscle he pulled the week before at Seattle and the left knee he sprained Nov. 3 against Pittsburgh. Asked Monday whether Portis would be able to survive Washington's final four games, Zorn said, "We want him to do more than just survive. Either we have to rest him ... Clinton has a real ..."

Portis silenced in crucial game

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December 1

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"When Clinton Portis ran onto the field carrying a "21" flag yesterday, who knew that would nearly be his rushing total? The Redskins pregame ceremony for the late safety Sean Taylor seemed sterile. So was the offense in the 23-7 loss to the New York Giants. As gloomy as the weather, the Redskins recent offensive malaise continued for their third loss in four games. Portis delivered his worst outing since 2006 with 22 yards on 11 carries. When Washington gambled on fourth-and-one with 9:37 remaining, Portis couldn't get the needed three feet as fans began a mass exodus from FedEx Field that was nearly empty aside Giants backers over the final minutes. A jammed neck in the second quarter ..."

No practice makes perfect

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November 24

Washington Times

"Clinton Portis entered Sunday's game with a sprained knee. He left it with a smirk - and a little more pain. The NFL's leading rusher rolled up 143 yards on 29 carries in Washington's 20-17 win against Seattle, carrying the Redskins to a victory that kept them in the playoff hunt. "What didn't I tweak?" Portis asked. "Got hit in the ribs. I've got blood running down both of my legs, both of my arms. You sure I don't have no black eye?" The Redskins started and finished the game the same way: with Portis. It marked the sixth time this season he has run for more than 120 yards. Sunday's effort left him with 1,206 yards on the season, 56 short of his 2007 total. He also moved into third all ..."

Portis again a game-time decision

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November 23

Washington Times

"Clinton Portis said he will play against the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday. Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn, however, said he won't know whether the league's second-leading rusher will play until he sees him warm up before the game at Qwest Field. Portis didn't get the go-ahead to play against the Dallas Cowboys last week until he proved his readiness in pregame warmups. "Clinton is game time because he's really not full speed," Zorn said. "I'm hoping to see the same thing I saw [last week], but I don't know. I thought he'd be more involved today, but it is sore. It is cold, it is windy, and it's hard to get loose." Offensive tackle Chris Samuels (knee) and receiver Antwaan Randle El ..."

Decision on Portis's Availability Again Will Be a Game-Time Call

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November 22

Washington Post

"Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn said the decision on whether RB Clinton Portis -- who is battling a sprained left knee -- will play tomorrow in Seattle will be made in the hours leading up to the game for the second straight week. "He really is not full speed," Zorn said. "Would love to see him go, but that'll be game-time." Portis pledged this week that he would play, "no ifs, ands or buts about it." Last week, facing considerable questions about whether he could play against Dallas, Portis worked out on the field three hours before kickoff to prove to coaches and to himself he was healthy enough. Zorn said the team would repeat those drills with Portis in Seattle. Portis, the ..."

A return to form?

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November 20

Washington Examiner

"Almost three hours before kickoff, several sets of eyes examined Clinton Portis, searching for a clue about his status. They watched him take handoffs, looking for his burst. They resumed the debate in Jim Zorn's office a short time later. Portis lobbied on his behalf; Zorn wanted to be convinced. And when Zorn told Portis he would play, the running back said he "was fired up. He couldn't have been happier." There's no such drama surrounding Portis this week. He didn't practice Wednesday but he is feeling better than a week ago and he will play against Seattle. No ifs, ands or buts, he said, about his status. More than that, he hopes to run more like himself - something he could not do ..."

Portis probably out, but Betts progressing

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November 14

Washington Times

"Ladell Betts took another step Thursday toward being available when the Washington Redskins play Dallas on Sunday, but Clinton Portis' status remained unchanged, making it more likely his left knee sprain will keep him out of the lineup. Despite a steady rain, Betts' ability to cut on the wet field during practice encouraged coach Jim Zorn. Betts has missed three consecutive games. "I did a lot more than [Wednesday]," he said. "There wasn't any swelling and pain in the morning. My confidence grows every day, and I'm feeling good." Portis left Redskin Park at 12:20 p.m. without speaking to reporters. "He's continuing to get treatment," Zorn said. "I was hoping today there would be a little ..."

Redskins Wait, Hope On Portis

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November 13

Washington Post

"After watching running back Clinton Portis receive treatment on his injured left knee yesterday at Redskins Park, quarterback Jason Campbell expressed optimism Portis would play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. "You have to think positive," Campbell said. "It's just harder if you don't." The Redskins acknowledged things would be more difficult for them against an NFC East rival, and in their final seven games, if Portis -- the NFL's second-leading rusher -- is sidelined or slowed because of a sprained medial collateral ligament. Primary backup Ladell Betts might miss his fourth straight game because of a sprained left knee, wide receiver Santana Moss is slowly recovering ..."

Will Skins be without Portis?

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November 12

Washington Examiner

"The Redskins already knew that Clinton Portis' status for Dallas was in doubt. It turns out other games could be in jeopardy as well. Portis, during his weekly appearance on ESPN 980's John Thompson Show, said an MRI revealed late last week that he suffered a Grade II sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. A team source confirmed the diagnosis. A Grade II MCL sprain, which also means there was a slight tear in the ligament, often results in a player missing several weeks. It typically causes problems when a player tries to cut. And could lead to problems with the ACL. "Right now," Portis said, "I can't straighten it out. I just started bending it [Tuesday]." Monday, ..."

Portis says he sprained his MCL

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November 12

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis revealed Tuesday he sustained a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament in a Nov. 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his weekly segment on ESPN 980's "The John Thompson Show," Portis said the injury to his right knee worsened late last week. "Thursday night and Friday, it started getting worse, so I came in, and they said MCL sprain, second degree," he said. "As of right now, I can't straighten it out, and I started bending it today. Hopefully by the end of the week - we'll have five days - I'll be right." Portis did not practice Monday, and coach Jim Zorn listed him as "questionable" and "50-50" for Sunday's game ..."