Running back Clinton Portis was unable to practice much Saturday, though he increased his reps from Friday, and remains a game-time decision for Monday’s game vs. Philadelphia. But Ryan Torain, barring a last-minute setback, will play.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Portis playing given that he hasn’t played since tearing his groin Oct. 3, nor has he yet participated in a full week of practice.
Recommended Stories
“I’m hesitant to put him in too quick,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “I don’t want to set him back. I’ll get a better feel after [Sunday]…. He’s very competitive. You have to do what’s right for him and your team. But you want to make sure if he does play that we don’t set him back for the rest of the season.”
Shanahan said one good sign is that the swelling on Portis’ grown has subsided. He also said if Portis doesn’t play Monday, he would expect him to be ready the following week at Tennessee.
The trouble with losing Portis is how much it impacts the pass protection. He’s the best back, by far, at picking up blitzes and without him teams have stunted and blitzed more, testing the inexperience not only on the left side of the line but also in the backfield. Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been sacked 16 times in the four games Portis has missed. It won’t all be solved if Portis returns, but it would help.
Meanwhile, Torain (hamstring) was able to practice and should be fine for Monday.
“He’s had no setback,” Shanahan said. “If he doesn’t have a setback [Sunday] he should be full speed.”
Returner Brandon Banks (knee) also was limited and Shanahan said he was still “a little sore.” He, too, is a game-time decision. If he can’t play, then it’s likely that Phillip Buchanon would replace him on punt returns and Chad Simpson would team with Byron Westbrook on kick returns.
Follow me on Twitter @John_Keim
