Larry Johnson isn’t about to become the answer at running back for the Redskins. But perhaps he’ll become part of the solution. He was not signed simply to give Clinton Portis a kick in the you-know-where. That would be too expensive a move.
But there’s no doubt the Redskins are hoping this impacts Portis. They’ll find out Monday whether that is the case when players report for offseason workouts. They’re voluntary; 100 percent participation is expected. Draw your own conclusions.
This will be an interesting period for many players, including Portis. Others have to be wondering what their future is here, from Jason Campbell to Andre Carter and Carlos Rogers.
But the one who keeps having messages delivered is Portis, who is expensive to cut even in an uncapped year. On the day he was hired, Mike Shanahan made it clear that the offseason workouts and practices were important. He didn’t have to direct it at any one player; it was obvious. He has said that several times since then, knowing full well that Portis a) does not like to work out in the offseason and b) does not like to practice.
One reason the Redskins cut all those veterans recently was simple. In some cases, of course, they could no longer play. But the locker room also needed fresh voices. According to one Redskins source, “Too many people had gotten comfortable.” In other words, more players needed to be on edge so they would keep pushing.
Enter Johnson. How Portis responds will decide his future.
