Redskins' Portis has shoulder surgery

Dec/05/06 10:18 PM

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis had shoulder surgery Tuesday that will require six months of rehabilitation.

Portis was placed on injured reserve Nov. 15 after breaking a bone in his hand in a loss to Philadelphia, but his left shoulder had also been ailing him all season. He partially dislocated the shoulder making a tackle in the first preseason game, then jammed the rotator cuff in the regular-season opener.

Tuesday's surgery repaired a torn labrum and stabilized the shoulder.

Portis' injuries — which also included a sprained ankle — led to the worst season in his five-year NFL career. He finished with 523 yards on 127 carries, the first time he rushed for fewer than 1,300 yards.

(thestar.com)

Playing Portis: A Painful Decision

Nov/19/06 11:07 PM

Joe Gibbs is angry, angrier than anyone has ever seen him in the two seasons since he returned to coaching. His hands are trembling. His light voice alternately soars and cracks with fury. He approaches Redskins Park and punctuates his ire by firing a half-empty bottle of Gatorade into a trash can.

It is Saturday, Sept. 9, and during his final interview session before facing the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, Gibbs believes that a reporter's question insinuates that the coach is being cavalier with the health of star running back Clinton Portis, who had separated his left shoulder in an exhibition game Aug. 13.

Redskins RB Portis to miss rest of season

Nov/15/06 02:36 PM

ASHBURN, Va., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Clinton Portis, who suffered a broken hand last week, has been placed on injured reserve, ending the Washington Redskins running back's season.

Portis broke a bone in his hand early in Washington's loss at Philadelphia last Sunday.

Doctors surgically placed three screws in the fourth metacarpal of Portis's right hand and said he would miss 3-4 weeks. However, by placing the running back on injured reserve, barring him from returning this season, the Redskins allow Portis to sooner undergo shoulder surgery that had been planned for the offseason, the team said Wednesday.

Ladell Betts is expected to take Portis's spot in the starting lineup.

In eight games this season, Portis, 25, had 523 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. In four previous NFL seasons, Portis never totaled less than 1,315 rushing yards.

Washington signed tight end Brian Kozlowski to take Portis's spot on the roster.
(upi.com)

Redskins' Portis has surgery, out 3-4 weeks Running back has screws inserted after breaking bone in hand

Nov/13/06 11:21 PM

ASHBURN, Va. - Redskins running back Clinton Portis is recovering from surgery on a broken bone in his right hand and is expected to be sidelined up to four weeks.

Portis had three screws inserts into the ring finger bone, which was broken late in the first quarter of Sunday’s 27-3 loss to Philadelphia. He’ll wear a cast for a week to help control swelling, then some kind of splint during the rest of his rehabilitation.

Portis conceivably could be done for the year. He’s had four injuries in three months and isn’t due to return until mid-December. The Redskins are 3-and-6 -- and barring a turnaround -- will likely be well out of contention by then.

(msnbc.com)

Redskins report: Portis could miss a month with broken hand

Nov/13/06 08:17 AM

PHILADELPHIA - The Redskins won't have Clinton Portis for as much as a month after the star running back broke his right hand in Washington's 27-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Portis will have a couple of screws inserted in the knuckle of his right ring finger for "stability," perhaps as early as today. Director of sports medicine

Bubba Tyer indicated that it will take at least three weeks before the team's leading rusher can return, possibly longer. "He's got to be able to use his hand," Tyer said. "He's got to be able to secure the football."

Injuries, New Scheme Painful for Portis

Nov/12/06 11:54 AM

Somehow, a leg always is tucked awkwardly behind his back as the bodies fall to the ground. Inevitably, the helmet of a tackler cracks into his ankle. Without fail, someone at the bottom of the pile lands a few shots on his shoulder or knee.

It has been that kind of season for Washington Redskins tailback Clinton Portis. The durable and diminutive runner suffered a partially dislocated shoulder on the eighth play of the exhibition season and has not been healthy since. He has gutted his way through games, but been forced to sit out for considerable sequences each contest as the shoulder, knee and ankle injuries mount. The player most central to the fortunes of Washington's offense -- if not to the entire team -- has been cast in a more complementary role in 2006, suffering through an unproductive first half while the Redskins limped to a 3-5 record.

'Skins' Portis can't disguise his talent

Nov/11/06 03:02 PM

Clinton Portis, a guy who has been known to wear all manner of disguises, now only disguises his true feelings on certain subjects.

Did his mom punch out an Eagles fan last year? Yes. No. Maybe so.

Is Portis unhappy with his role in the Washington Redskins' offense? Possibly.

He is one of the NFL's best running backs, a guy renowned as much for his toughness as his breakaway speed. But he showed his elusiveness in a conference call with Philadelphia-area reporters the other day, while looking ahead to Sunday's game.

This week, Portis is all business

Nov/10/06 08:14 PM

From a "Napoleon Dynamite" spinoff character named Dolamite Jenkins, a dumb blonde named Ditzy Kim and furious fictional defensive coordinator named Coach Janky Spanky, Clinton Portis has entertained teammates, local media and fans on a weekly basis in Washington with his creative identities.

This week, however, the fun and games inside the "Clinton's Characters" sitcom will be put on pause as Portis' costume will consist of just shoulder pads, a No. 26 jersey and a Redskins helmet.

"I'm not going to be a character this week," Portis told Philadelphia reporters this week. "Right now as a team we just want to find a way to come back home victorious."

Tough Portis takes after his mother - The back is part of a fighting family.

Nov/09/06 08:26 AM

Clinton Portis has shown unusual toughness this season, playing through a series of injuries while trying to hold the Washington Redskins' ground game together.

In short, Portis has shown the toughness of his mother, Rhonnel Hearn.

On New Year's Day when the Redskins defeated the Eagles, 31-20 in the regular-season finale at Lincoln Financial Field, Portis' mother was in a group of Washington fans that was hit by a thrown beer.

SCOUTING ... PORTIS

Nov/01/06 08:20 PM

Washington running back Clinton Portis used the bye week to get healthy to face the Cowboys.

The Redskins need Portis to help fix their failing team.

Washington is fading at 2-5, and Portis doesn't expect to miss another meeting with the Cowboys when the teams play Sunday in Washington.

Portis suffered a high ankle sprain in Washington's loss to Indianapolis on Oct. 22. He missed his only game of the season in the Sept. 17 loss to the Cowboys.

Redskins need Portis to be the focal point again

Nov/01/06 08:44 AM

DALLAS - Running back Clinton Portis is the best player on the Washington Redskins.

The more Portis carries the football, the better he plays - and the better the Redskins play. Portis rushed a career-high 352 times in 2005 for a franchise-record 1,516 yards, propelling Washington into the playoffs for the first time this decade.

But the Redskins have gotten away from Portis - and winning - in 2006.

Washington hired offensive coordinator Al Saunders from Kansas City last off-season to implement one of the NFL's most dynamic passing schemes. The Chiefs ranked in the top six in passing each of the last three seasons.

Portis Says Offense Lacks Confidence

Oct/28/06 11:17 AM

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Washington Redskins (website - news) running back Clinton Portis says he'd like to get more carries but he understands the offensive coaches want to spread the ball around.
Portis, who is recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in the 36-to-22 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, had just 12 carries for 43 yards on Sunday.
He says that inconsistency has begun to breed a lack of confidence among the players. Portis says they've bought into Al Saunders' new offense, but not producing the results they know they're capable of has some players questioning themselves.
Portis says he'll use the bye week to heal his injury and he expects to be ready for the Redskins' next game at FedEx Field when they face the Dallas Cowboys on November fifth.
(wjla.com)

Portis determined to face Cowboys

Oct/25/06 08:26 AM

Clinton Portis walked out of Redskin Park yesterday with a protective boot on his left foot, but he expects to play when the Washington Redskins return to action Nov. 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Portis sustained a high left ankle sprain on his first carry of the second half Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. He returned to the game on the Redskins' next series.

"Hopefully, it won't carry over," said Portis, who sat out yesterday's practice, which lasted about 75 minutes.

Portis and Redskins Try to Exploit Swiss cheese Colts Run Defense

Oct/22/06 12:47 PM

Last year, the Indianapolis Colts won their first 13 games in spite of a horrible defense. This year, at 5-0, they are one of two remaining undefeated teams, again overcoming a horrific defense, especially against the run.

The Colts allow a horrific 167 yards per game against teams normally getting 110. In yards per carry, it’s 5.2 against teams normally getting 3.9. That variance is almost unheard of this late in the year.

We have always preached how ratings, like above, are much more accurate than rankings. That being said, the Colts, not surprisingly, are ranked dead last in the NFL against the run.

PORTIS TO PUNISH COLTS

Oct/20/06 09:13 PM

The Indianapolis Colts can expect to see a lot of Clinton Portis on Sunday when they meet the Washington Redskins in an interconference matchup.

Despite being one of two unbeaten teams along with Chicago, Indianapolis rank last in the league against the run, allowing 166.8 yards per game.

The Colts took a step towards improving against the run prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, acquiring defensive tackle Anthony McFarland from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second-round pick in 2007.

Portis, offense a touchy subject

Oct/20/06 07:09 AM

Al Saunders and Clinton Portis couldn't be more different.

Al is 59 years old and in his 24th season of professional football. Clinton is 25 and in his fifth season.

Al is from California and would win a marathon between the two. Clinton is from Florida and would undoubtedly win a 40-yard dash.

Al is of the belief his star running back should play 90 percent of the snaps. Clinton is of the belief taking a play here or there to recuperate is the best way to go.

Portis wants Redskins to let him run - Star running back says game plan has been lacking

Oct/18/06 08:21 AM

Clinton Portis was ready to take on a heavy workload Sunday against Tennessee, but that chance never came. Instead of a straightforward power running game, the Washington Redskins went with a more diverse attack.

"How many times do you have to get to the point of saying, 'Put it on my shoulders?' " Portis said. "If you know what I'm capable of, you know I'm on your team. If you go over our roster, you know people are going to look and say, 'We've got to stop Portis.' Give them the opportunity to stop Portis."

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Moss and Portis Already Two of a Special Kind

Oct/08/06 09:34 AM

Santana Moss, 27, and Clinton Portis, 25, are too young to be placed in historical context. But both University of Miami prodigies play for the Washington Redskins, whose 74-year history demands historical perspective at least from 1937, when the team moved here from Boston and won the first of five NFL championships.

Moss's three-touchdown, 138-yard performance Sunday at FedEx Field, which included his 68-yard, game-winning hookup with Mark Brunell in overtime, had old hands comparing him to the great wide receivers in team history. The same can be said for Portis, whose return to form after a shoulder injury in the first preseason game is a key reason the Redskins aren't any worse than 2-2 going into today's game against the New York Giants in the Meadowlands.
PH2006100700757

Portis Is a Big Hit And Delivers a Few - Blocking Exploits Energize Redskins

Oct/06/06 09:49 AM

A murmur began rippling through the auditorium at Redskins Park a few minutes into the weekly Wednesday morning review of game film. With the entire roster of players and coaches assembled, running back Clinton Portis's exploits flashed on the huge screen, but the featured play had nothing to do with his 112-yard rushing effort.

Portis's blocking on the Redskins' opening score in the victory over Jacksonville on Sunday was the most talked-about highlight of the week. He delivered three clutch hits, pulled himself off the turf several times and sprinted more than 55 yards to help wide receiver Santana Moss into the end zone. Since returning from shoulder injuries two weeks ago, Portis has revitalized Washington's offense and its season, through his rushing and pass receiving, as well as more subtle contributions such as his blocking.

Portis resumes dress-up time, calls himself 'Dolomite Jenkins' - Redskins running back wears brown curly wig and T-shirt that reads "Vote for Santana"

Oct/05/06 10:01 PM

ASHBURN, VA. // Clinton Portis was back in character Thursday, wearing a brown curly wig, glasses and a white T-shirt that read "Vote for Santana."

The Washington Redskins running back called himself "Dolomite Jenkins" and said he was looking for "Southeast Jerome," the character Portis portrayed before the 36-0 road loss to the New York Giants last year. The Redskins make their 2006 visit to the Meadowlands on Sunday.

"Last year, Southeast Jerome come up missing," said Portis, speaking in a raspy voice. "I'm looking for him."

dolemite

Redskins assistant Saunders 'not happy' with Portis late rest

Oct/04/06 09:56 PM

ASHBURN, VA. // When Clinton Portis took himself out with the game with the score tied late in the fourth quarter, the coach calling the plays was far from pleased.

"I was not happy about that," Washington Redskins assistant Al Saunders said Wednesday.

Portis, who decides when he plays and when he sits, decided to sit mid-drive with the score tied at 27 and the ball in the opponent's territory in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ladell Betts entered and ran the ball on the next three plays, including a third-and-1 that he failed to convert.

"The first thing that went through my mind: 'Why are you coming out?'" Saunders said. "I talked to Clinton about that today. There's a scenario, and you're trying to set up things sometimes. And if he comes out to--quote, as he said--'recover,' it sometimes really throws you off."

Portis carries offensive burden - Having running back in lineup provides punch for Redskins

Oct/04/06 08:06 AM

ASHBURN, VA. // Most running backs who have attained the stature that Clinton Portis holds for the Washington Redskins wouldn't do some of the things Portis has since training camp began in late July.

Remember Portis making the tackle of Keiwan Ratliff after the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback had intercepted a pass in the opening series of the preseason, causing Portis to partially dislocate his left shoulder? Or how about the multiple blocks Portis made Sunday on one play - freeing Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss for the first of his three catch-and-run touchdowns - in a 36-30 overtime victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field?

Moss, Portis upset with penalties

Oct/03/06 08:35 AM

The "No Fun League" reared its head in the Washington Redskins' 36-30 overtime win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

A week after Redskins running back Clinton Portis was flagged 15 yards for a debatable taunting call, the officiating crew called two penalties -- one on each team -- for choreographed celebrations. The rule, new this season, aims to prevent several players from performing on-field shenanigans.

Redskins Report: Portis fulfills his mission to run over Peterson, Jaguars

Oct/02/06 09:44 AM

LANDOVER, Md. - Redskins running back Clinton Portis took it personally.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson told a Jacksonville reporter last week that his team's defense, one of the best in the NFL, would hold Portis well under 100 yards. In fact, he said Portis wouldn't get out of the teens.

When Portis, like Peterson a Gainesville, Fla., native, heard about it, something inside him snapped.

"It was disrespectful," said Portis, who has averaged 1,500 yards a season since entering the NFL five years ago.

Portis Feeling Like Himself Again

Sep/29/06 09:19 PM

Tailback Clinton Portis says his injured left shoulder feels healed, but that good news was not enough to compel him to put together a costume for his weekly meeting with reporters. Portis's array of outfits and characters became part of the Washington Redskins' five-game winning streak in 2005 and, even with some players calling for a return of his personal "Project Runway," Portis offered no assurances.

Of greater importance, he said, is his health. Portis said that he suffered no setbacks Sunday, when he tore through Houston for 164 total yards and two touchdowns, and that he feels better than he has in some time.

Portis goes through full practice

Sep/21/06 10:39 PM

Clinton Portis is on track to start at running back for the Washington Redskins against the Houston Texans on Sunday. But cornerback Shawn Springs is questionable after he sustained a mild right groin strain in the opening 30 minutes of practice yesterday.

Portis, who missed the Dallas game with a rotator cuff injury, went through his first full practice since Aug. 11 -- two days before he dislocated his left shoulder at Cincinnati.

"Clinton looked good and felt good, so I think we're OK there," coach Joe Gibbs said. "If he continues like today, I would think he would [start]."

Portis practices, set to return for 'Skins

Sep/20/06 09:25 PM

ASHBURN, Va. (Sept. 20, 2006) -- Clinton Portis made it through the entire practice Sept. 20 for the first time since his shoulder injury, while cornerback Shawn Springs had a setback in his attempt to return from abdominal surgery.

Portis appears set to return at running back for the Week 3 game against the Houston Texans. He is listed as probable on the injury report.

"Clinton looked good. He took the whole practice, felt good," coach Joe Gibbs said. "I think we're OK there."

Portis Says He Will Play Against Texans

Sep/19/06 08:23 AM

In his most confident declaration yet, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis said he would play Sunday at Houston. After playing in the opener against Minnesota, Portis was inactive against Dallas and said in an interview during the game that he had injured his rotator cuff against the Vikings.
"It wasn't that I did something to my rotator cuff. It just wasn't firing the way it was supposed to," Portis said. "Like the doctors said, it was natural after coming back from the injury I came from, playing in the game after not getting hit for four weeks, and that I was going to have soreness."

Portis does not practice, expects to play Sunday

Sep/15/06 08:18 AM

ASHBURN, Va. — No dress-up again Thursday for Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who did not practice but remains confident he will play Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

“As far as I know I’m playing,” Portis said. “Unless something changes between now and Sunday.”

Portis carried 10 times for 39 yards in a relief role in Monday night’s 19-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Leading up to the game, he indicated he would not play because he was still recovering from a partially dislocated left shoulder.

This week, the shoulder is sore from the contact against the Vikings. Portis took part in a portion of Wednesday’s practice and worked Thursday on strength and conditioning.

“I’m real sore,” Portis said. “I’m just trying to stay on top of things, trying to build the strength up to where it stays the same so we don’t have any setbacks.”

Portis returns but struggles

Sep/12/06 10:01 AM

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was sporting a new haircut -- a modified Mohawk dyed red -- he said he had been planning since June.
    "Just to mix things up," he said. "Change my look."
    No doubt about it. It wasn't the same Portis last night -- on or off the field.
    He did manage to play against the Minnesota Vikings even though it recently appeared he wouldn't after partially dislocating his left shoulder eight plays into the first preseason game. And he did get into the end zone.
    "It was great to have one of our best players in there," quarterback Mark Brunell said. "It kind of shows you what kind of guy Clinton is."
    But only occasionally did Portis resemble the game-changing runner who slashed and bulled for more than 1,500 yards last season while setting a franchise single-season record. Starter Ladell Betts also did little, and the Redskins' lack of a rushing game figured highly in their 19-16 loss at FedEx Field.
    Entering the game for Betts, his usual backup, on the Redskins' first possession after the Vikings took a 6-0 lead, Portis scored his team's only touchdown. It was a 5-yard run good for a short-lived 10-6 lead with 8:06 left in the second quarter.

Portis will play in opener

Sep/11/06 09:04 AM

ASHBURN, VA. // Two days after Clinton Portis said he was "75 percent" recovered from a partially dislocated left shoulder and one day after Portis said he might not make it back for even the second game of the season, the Washington Redskins announced that their star running back would play in tomorrow night's season opener.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday that he would use Portis, who last season set the franchise single-season rushing record with 1,516 yards, in a backup role against the Minnesota Vikings at FedEx Field. Ladell Betts would start, but Portis is expected to get onto the field.

"We'll kind of let the game portray what role that will be," Gibbs said after practice at Redskins Park.

How effective Portis will be remains a question, since he said Thursday that he wasn't in top condition after missing all but the first possession of the preseason, when he was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals making a tackle after an interception.

Portis practices, hopeful for Monday's season opener

Sep/09/06 11:52 PM

Ashburn, VA - Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis said Saturday that he is close to 100 percent healthy and is hopeful for Monday night's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Portis has been sidelined with a separated shoulder since the Redskins' exhibition opener against Cincinnati on August 13. He missed the final three pre-season games and has been listed as questionable all week on the Redskins injury report.

'I'm about 93.9 right now,' Portis said after participating in a light practice on Saturday. 'I've still got two more days to get to 100 percent... At the rate things have been increasing, it looks pretty good.'

Portis eyes second game of season

Sep/08/06 11:09 PM

Ashburn, Va. — Redskins running back Clinton Portis is targeting Washington's second game for his return from a shoulder injury.

He essentially ruled himself out for the Monday night opener against the Minnesota Vikings. He wore a helmet and his No. 26 jersey during the entire practice Friday for the first time since partially dislocating his left shoulder four weeks ago. But he said he was focusing on the upcoming games against Dallas and Houston.

"The way things look, bro, you'll probably be seeing 2-6 against Dallas," Portis said. "But who knows?

"If not, I should be ready for Houston. They want me to be 100 per cent."

Portis Appears Unlikely to Play In the Opener

Sep/08/06 08:16 AM

His colorful costumes turned each Thursday last year into his personal comedy routine, but Clinton Portis yesterday played a role he didn't particularly enjoy.

"This is the first Thursday you're going to see me injured and hopefully it will be the last one," said Portis, who suffered a partial separation of his left shoulder in the Washington Redskins' first preseason game against Cincinnati. "Today, I'm the Injured Man. But, hopefully, we can change things. I want to get back on the field as soon as possible, and try to help my teammates."

Portis Remains Questionable for Opener

Sep/07/06 09:04 PM

ASHBURN, Va. Sep 7, 2006 (AP)— Clinton Portis' first Thursday character of the season: a football player who doesn't appear as if he's going to be able to play in his team's first game.

"Today," Portis said, "I'm the 'Injured Man.'"

Portis wore a white baseball cap, a gray sweat shirt and black sweat pants, a drab outfit that matched the bleak outlook for his participation in the Washington Redskins' Monday night opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

"I would love to be out on the field," Portis said, "but we've got to look at the long run. We've got to look at the overall season instead of trying to jump back early and play in this game and then miss the key games we've got coming up behind it."

Portis Update

Aug/29/06 09:54 AM

Meanwhile, injured running back Clinton Portis continues to make progress in his rehabilitation from a partially dislocated left shoulder. Portis ran sprints during practice yesterday, and Bubba Tyer, the team's director of sports medicine, said he likes what he has seen.
Will Portis be back for the season opener Sept. 11 against the Minnesota Vikings?
"It's two weeks from tonight," Tyer said. "We've got a shot at it."
(baltimoresun.com)

Despite Injury, Portis Gets In A Little Bit Of a Workout

Aug/22/06 10:20 AM

After two preseason losses, the Washington Redskins took an all-business approach to their first practice since Saturday's 27-14 home loss to the New York Jets. But the sight of running back Clinton Portis walking around without his left shoulder in a sling was a welcome one.
"I was trying to get a little conditioning in, nothing spectacular," Portis said. "It was just following procedure, trying to get everything to heal. I still have to put the sling back on. It's probably going to be sore. I still feel pain there, but as far as movement is concerned, I feel good."

Bedroom of Redskins' Portis a little fishy

Aug/21/06 09:48 AM

Don't call Clinton Portis a fish out of water - not when you consider the decor of his home.
The Washington Redskins running back has an aquarium in every room of his Virginia house. And according to an article in the current issue of Esquire, the most impressive tank is in his bedroom.

Portis raises question: Is preseason too risky?

Aug/19/06 11:20 PM

ALBANY, N.Y. -- You'd be hard-pressed to get LaVar Arrington to admit that the preseason is too long and rife with too many risks.
Even in light of the separated shoulder his ex-teammate Clinton Portis suffered Sunday in the Washington Redskins' preseason opener in Cincinnati, even in the aftermath of Portis' angry contention that he should have been out of that game well before calamity struck, Arrington had a hard time siding with Portis.