Redskins RB Cliton Portis will miss four to six weeks
Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis has had trouble over the years staying healthy and on the field. Portis is injury prone, and on Wednesday, Redskins’ head coach Mike Shanahan said that his star running-back
is expected to miss four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a third-degree groin separation.
"It's a temporary setback. These things happen during the season," Shanahan said. Following Sunday’s 17-12 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Portis said that he felt a “pop” in his groin. Even before
last week’s game, Portis wasn’t 100 percent due to a hand injury, which saw him in a two-back rotation with back-up Ryan Torain.
"When you lose some players during the season, other guys have to step up," Shanahan said. "Obviously, Ryan [Torain]–- he has had a little playing time and we’ll see what he can do. We’ll get a chance
to evaluate him. “
Shanahan did get a good look at Torain’s ability to carry the load as he was Washington’s lead rusher in week four, amassing 70 yards on 18 carries and scoring a rushing touchdown. Portis was mainly utilized
on short yardage plays and carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards.
Torain should be the team’s starting running-back next week as the Redskins prepare for the Green Bay Packers. Torain took all of the first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice. At the beginning of the 2010
regular season, the Redskins had too many running-backs on the roster. As a result, Washington released Larry Johnson and Willie Parker hoping that Portis would be able to stay healthy.
When asked about re-signing Johnson, Shanahan said, "We have a few options relative to people who have been here and who are out there (as free agents)."
No word yet on who will be on next week’s depth chart.
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