Clinton Portis will return. That seems to be what Mike Shanahan said on Sirius Radio today to Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt.
“He’s our running back,” Shanahan said.
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Yep, that seems pretty clear to us, too. Many things are said in February or March that turn out to change in a hurry. But if Shanahan does indeed want Portis back, there’s no doubt he wants him as a different player — one committed to working out in the offseason. That’s been a constant message of Shanahan’s since he was hired. Portis has angered teammates in the past by not taking a more serious approach in the offseason during most of his tenure in Washington. Then he gets banged up during the season and rarely practices. Portis is right in that he always shows up and plays hard on Sundays. But his teammates would still like more work with him, giving them a chance for better timing on certain runs. They say it makes a difference.
Anyway, it’s been an interesting offseason for Portis, whether it’s teammates not so subtly taking jabs at him after the season or whether it’s Portis himself taking perceived shots at Jason Campbell.
“I don’t go back to what happened the last couple years or listen to differences of opinion. I just know what Clinton did for me,” Shanahan told the show. “I expect him to be in great shape and do everything he can to be the best player. If he does that, I know what type of ability he has. Hopefully, he can help us win.”
If Portis changes his approach he can still be an effective back. The Redskins, though, would be wise to find young legs to provide the missing burst out of the backfield. It’s been missing for a few years.
