Skip to main content
Advertising

News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

News & Notes: Portis Is 'Ready To Go,' Torain Out

110696.jpg


Running back Clinton Portis is expected to play on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Portis is returning from a groin injury he suffered in Week 4.

"Looks like Clinton will be ready to go," head coach Mike Shanahan said after Friday's practice.

Meantime, running back Ryan Torain will not play against the Titans due to a hamstring injury.

Portis has participated in practice the last two weeks, although he said he had a setback before the Redskins' game against the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday night.

Portis was full-go in Friday's practice.

"He has had a number of weeks to get back into football shape and he has had a couple of weeks to practice and hopefully there is no setback," Shanahan said.

In four games this season, Portis has 195 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries.

He has 9,891 career rushing yards and needs 109 to surpass the 10,000-yard mark for his career.

Portis needs 680 rushing yards to surpass John Riggins as the Redskins' all-time rushing leader.

Torain re-aggravated his hamstring injury during pre-game warm-ups of the Eagles game last Monday night.

With Torain out, Keiland Williams is expected to serve as Portis's primary backup and Chad Simpson could also see playing time.

Shanahan said he may keep three running backs active for the Titans game. Last week, after Torain was sidelined, the Redskins only had Williams at running back and had to use fullback Darrel Young in a couple situations.

"You have got to take that into consideration," Shanahan said.


-- ROGERS, LANDRY BACK AT PRACTICE

Cornerback Carlos Rogers and safety LaRon Landry participated in practice on a limited basis on Friday.

Rogers is recovering from a hamstring injury and Landry has a lingering Achilles injury. They are officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tennessee.

"We are going to test them [on Saturday] before we leave for Tennessee and see how they do," Shanahan said. "If I feel good about them, then there is a chance they'll play. I have to watch them a little bit harder, but it was a good sign that they got some practice in."

Rogers said his hamstring has been feeling better in recent days. He suffered the injury in the Eagles game.

"It was hurting when I was walking, and that's pretty much gone," Rogers said.

For Landry, it's a matter of being able to play through the pain in his Achilles – something he has been able to do most of the season.


-- OFFENSE IS PRESSING

The Redskins' offense is ranked 21st overall in the NFL and 32nd on third downs. The unit has converted just four of its last 37 third-down attempts.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb said it seems like players – himself included – are pressing too hard to make plays.

"It could be frustration, it could be opportunities that we miss, whatever it may be," McNabb said. "There are a lot of things that go into it. For all of us, we just really need to relax and just go out and play football."

Added offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan: "When you are down like we were in the [Eagles game], I think people are pressing a little bit on every situation. When you are struggling in one specific area that is obvious, a lot of attention gets drawn to it and I think certain guys will press more than others. That's in every sport.

"You can't play when you're pressing. You have to be relaxed and you have to stay confident and get as prepared as you can throughout the week so no matter what happens you are going into the game and you're ready to do the best that you possibly can."


-- MORE PLAYING TIME FOR WILLIAMS?

After Joey Galloway had a dropped pass in last Monday's game vs. Philadelphia, he was replaced in the lineup by Roydell Williams.

Kyle Shanahan said coaches wanted to see more of Williams, who has seen limited playing time this season.

"We were just struggling in the first half," Shanahan said. "Joey had a drop and after his drop we wanted to give Roydell a shot."

Shanahan also said that Galloway could have "done a better job" on a pass that was intercepted by the Eagles in front of him in the first half.

Galloway, a 16-year NFL veteran, started the first five games this season before being replaced by Anthony Armstrong. He has nine catches for 141 yards.

Williams has three catches for 53 yards this season.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.
Advertising