» Running back Clinton Portis will play against Pittsburgh in the preseason home opener Saturday night. Portis did not play vs. Baltimore and prefers to do little work in the exhibition games. Redskins coach Jim Zorn said Portis would play only one quarter, at most.
Zorn said Portis has had a solid camp. Portis did not practice Sunday afternoon and did not participate in the full-team work Monday afternoon.
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“When he’s participated, he’s been awesome,” Zorn said. “He’s worked hard; he’s run hard. As we get closer [to the season opener], he’ll pick up his pace and we’ll get him more reps. For the stuff we’ve asked him to do and the stuff he’s done, I’m pleased.”
» Running back Anthony Alridge (foot) will finally have the walking boot removed from his left leg Tuesday. However, he won’t play vs. Pittsburgh. Alridge injured his foot in the Aug. 8 intrasquad scrimmage.
Alridge injured his foot when he was with Denver last summer.
“It’s definitely frustrating, but I’ll be back shortly,” Alridge said.
» Zorn is not a fan of hazing, but he didn’t mind it Monday when a group of defensive players, led by linebacker London Fletcher, tied rookies Kevin Barnes and Robert Henson to the goal post following practice. Fletcher told Henson that Cornelius Griffin wanted to see him; when Henson got to Griffin the defensive tackle said, “Don’t fight it.” They remained tied to the post for approximately 25 minutes when Phillip Daniels and Andre Carter untied them.
Player of note
Malcolm Kelly • WR
After missing time earlier in camp with a hamstring injury, Kelly has started to once again make plays during practice. Kelly’s route-running has improved the more he’s been able to practice. After one catch along the sidelines Monday, he drew a, “That’s it!” from coach Jim Zorn. Kelly worked as the No. 2 receiver in practice.
Quarterback Watch
Todd Collins
The longtime backup continues to look smooth running the offense, much better than at this point last summer when he was frustrated playing behind bad protection and with subpar receivers. The protection isn’t much better, but his knowledge has helped him unload the ball quicker. Also, Collins had problems with his elbow and shoulder last summer, weakening his arm. But his arm is fresher and stronger this summer and, though he lacks the arm strength of Jason Campbell, it’s not an issue.
