ASHBURN, VA. (AP) - Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis talked about the possibility of playing against the Philadelphia Eagles _ while wearing a Phillies baseball cap.
Portis said Thursday he’s not sure yet whether he’ll make his return in Monday night’s Eagles-Redskins game. He said he’s still “real sore” after missing four games with a left groin injury and can’t cut the way he wants. He aims to make sure he doesn’t reinjure himself when he plays again.
“When I step back on the field, I want to be healthy enough to carry this team for the long run,” said Portis, who has only 49 carries for 195 yards this season.
Portis spoke while standing in front of his locker sporting a red hoodie and a Phillies baseball cap. Nothing about Philadelphia sports plays well in Washington _ something Portis should know given that he’s played seven years for the Redskins _ so he was asked about his seemingly inappropriate choice of attire.
“I just felt like wearing red,” Portis said. “It didn’t have nothing to do with the Phillies. This was the only outfit I had, so I just put it on.”
When told that the Washington Nationals also wear red caps, Portis said he didn’t own one.
Ryan Torain, who has been starting in place of Portis, is nursing a hamstring injury and has been limited in practice. Portis sat out most of practice Thursday, leaving the Redskins short-handed in the backfield as they prepare for Monday’s game.
Undrafted rookie Keiland Williams, who has 10 carries this season, will start if neither Portis nor Torain can play.
Coach Mike Shanahan said returner Brandon Banks will catch some punts and kickoffs Friday in an effort to come back only a week after having knee surgery.
Linebacker Brian Orakpo sat out practice with a sore back. Safety LaRon Landry (Achilles’ tendon) was limited.
Portis, known to ruffle feathers with his outspoken nature, was also asked to weigh in on the benching of quarterback Donovan McNabb and the tempest it created in the city.
“I’ve been experiencing that for years now,” Portis said. “It’s kind of shocking to see somebody else go through what I’ve been going through for years.”
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