The Redskins, almost to a man, know one way to escape their offensive struggles is by running the ball. The question is, will their top running back even play Sunday?
Clinton Portis will be a game-time decision, thanks to a calf injury that has kept him out of practice all week. He’s considered questionable for the game vs. Tampa Bay.
Recommended Stories
He also was questionable vs. Detroit last week because of bone spurs in both ankles, but played and gained 42 yards on 12 carries. Portis said his ankles now are fine, thanks to increased treatment. But there’s no doubt he is dealing with various issues.
“My struggle is if I put him out there am I just going to do this over and over again,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “And I do need to get him well. That’s my dilemma. I’m leaning toward playing him because he’s a force and he loves to play and he gets himself ready to play.”
Ladell Betts and Marcus Mason have split the first-team repetitions in practice. Mason will be active this weekend, with Anthony Alridge then being made inactive.
Portis had little to say about his situation.
“That’s what it is,” he said, when asked about Zorn calling him a game-time decision. “You want me to tell you something different. … A game-time decision. Have a nice night guys. Don’t drink too much, OK.”
Zorn said he worries “every day” about whether or not these injuries will linger all season. Portis wore down in the second half of last season as well, in part because the offensive line was aching.
Since rushing for more than 121 yards five times in the first half of last season, Portis, for various reasons, has surpassed 80 yards just once in his past 11 games. Coincidentally, the Redskins are 3-8 in those games.
“He’s a force in this league,” Zorn said. “He truly loves the game. It’s frustrating for him. … It’s hard when a running back such as he can’t do all the things he’s capable of doing.”
