Clinton Portis returned to practice on Monday afternoon after missing last Friday's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a sore elbow.

Coaches and athletic trainers will continue to monitor Portis's status as the week progresses, heading into this Friday's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedExField.

Head coach Joe Gibbs said he hopes Portis can play this Friday--partly because the Steelers defense was No. 1 in the NFL last season and the Redskins' offense will need every weapon at its disposal.

"He needs to get some good solid work in there," Gibbs said. "Certainly this will be one game that if you gain the yards, you will have earned it. It will be a tough assignment for us, but we need to get him some good, hard work in there."

Portis has played just one offensive series so far this preseason. He logged one carry for four yards in the preseason opener on Aug. 13 against Carolina and sat out the game against Cincinnati.

Portis's injury is not considered serious.

"I don't think it is anything to worry about," Gibbs said. "He went last week and we worked him out before the game, but didn't play in the game."

Meantime, punter Tom Tupa did not practice with the team on Monday due to back spasms suffered prior to the Cincinnati game. Tupa remains listed as day-to-day.

"[Back injuries] are something you are never sure about," Gibbs said. "We are just praying that it is something that resolves itself pretty quick."

Safeties Matt Bowen (knee) and Ryan Clark (knee) and Walt Harris (calf) sat out practice, although they did work out for athletic trainers

Meantime, the Redskins have placed cornerback Artrell Hawkins on the injured reserve due to a lingering hamstring injury. Hawkins missed most of training camp and both preseason games due to the injury.