| Back’s MCL sprain is worse than first thought | Redskins » First & 10 | |
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The Redskins already knew that Clinton Portis’ status for Dallas was in doubt. It turns out other games could be in jeopardy as well. Portis, during his weekly appearance on ESPN 980’s John Thompson Show, said an MRI revealed late last week that he suffered a Grade II sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. A team source confirmed the diagnosis. Recommended StoriesA Grade II MCL sprain, which also means there was a slight tear in the ligament, often results in a player missing several weeks. It typically causes problems when a player tries to cut. And could lead to problems with the ACL. “Right now,” Portis said, “I can’t straighten it out. I just started bending it [Tuesday].” Monday, coach Jim Zorn called Portis questionable for Dallas. Zorn is typically upbeat about a player’s chances, but he labeled Portis’ chances of playing at “50-50.” Speaking on his coach’s show, also on ESPN 980, Zorn said Portis likely would not practice today or Thursday. He also said running back Ladell Betts, who has missed the past three games because of a mild sprained knee, is in a better position to play than Portis. Zorn also said Betts is “nowhere near 100 percent.” Portis, second in the NFL in rushing with 995 yards, hurt his knee on the final play of the first quarter vs. Pittsburgh on Nov. 3. He limped off, but returned to play the entire game. “As the week went on, it started getting worse,” Portis said. “We’ve got five days; hopefully I’ll be all right.” Betts would get the bulk of the action if Portis can’t play. Betts rushed for 1,154 yards two years ago, posting five straight 100-yard games late in the season, while filling in for the injured Portis. Like Portis, Betts is a physical runner, which fits in well with the style of the running game. He’s averaging 4.1 yards on 38 carries this season; he managed 4.7 yards a run in 2006. Shaun Alexander would also play more should Portis be inactive. Alexander has looked rusty since joining the Redskins last month. He’s rushed 25 times for 67 yards and does not run with the same physical style of Betts and Portis, but excels on cutbacks. Rock Cartwright would get increased time if both Betts and Portis miss. His size hurts him in blitz pickups, an area where Portis excels. |
Redskins analysis through Week 10 2 » Running back Clinton Portis is a model of consistency, but he’s not explosive. It’s amazing that he’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry given that his longest run is just 31 yards. By the way, his long run is tied for the lowest among the top 13 rushers in the NFL. 3 » The lack of a big receiver, and more diverse passing attack, is hurting Washington in the red zone. And the failure of any of the three second-round picks to contribute is holding this offense back; making a tackle on special teams does not count. 4 » Justin Tryon stays; Leigh Torrence goes. Helps to be a draft pick. 5 » Shaun Suisham’s field goal percentage of .783 is the second lowest among kickers with at least 20 attempts. Suisham, though, is on his third holder this season. Some kickers struggle with any sort of change (see: Lohmiller, Chip). 6 » If London Fletcher is going to push for a Pro Bowl berth, he’ll have to make more big plays. He makes a lot of tackles, but until he gets a few interceptions, fumbles and sacks — he currently has one forced fumble — he’ll be denied once again. Which is a shame. 7 » This is almost a must-win game for Dallas. The Cowboys have games against Seattle and San Francisco after Sunday. But their final four is brutal: at Pittsburgh; vs. the Giants; vs. Baltimore and at Philadelphia. 8 » If the Redskins want to ensure a playoff berth, they should plan on winning 11 games. With six teams owning a record of 5-4 or 6-3, it’s likely a tiebreaker will be needed to get in at 10-6. 9 » The last time the NFC had a 10-win team miss the playoffs was in 1991 (San Francisco). The AFC has had three 10-win teams miss the postseason in the past five years. Might be a little early for playoff talk, but it illustrates the importance of every game from here on out. 10 » It will be interesting to see how Jim Zorn reacts to facing a team for the second time. Zorn kept the Cowboys off-balance in the first meeting. But will that be harder now that his tendencies are more known? |
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