Portis officially ruled out

Top running back Clinton Portis (concussion) will not play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at FedEx Field, Coach Jim Zorn said today after practice.

"We kept Clinton at home just to get rest," Zorn said. "That was kind of the doctor's orders."

With Portis ruled out this week, Ladell Betts is expected to start against Denver. But Betts, who provided a spark after Portis was injured against Atlanta, left practice early because of an ankle injury.

"Ladell Betts tried to go early," Zorn said. "Really couldn't finish. His ankle's still getting better."

Running backs Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther are behind Betts, who rushed for 70 yards (he had a 4.7-yard average) and a touchdown against the Falcons. "I suspect he's going to go" against Denver, Zorn said of Betts. "He was actually looking like he was going to be able to go [in practice] and we just pulled back on him to give him another day."

Punter Hunter Smith (groin) could be placed on the season-ending injured-reserve list if he struggles Friday punting during practice.

"Well, we're going to try to punt him tomorrow," Zorn said. "Just try to go full go and see what he could do; see if his leg can hold up. If it does, great. If it can't, then we'll decide what we need to do then.

"Well, yeah, it's a possibility [going on injured reserve] if he continues re-aggravate this thing. That's why I'm trying to give it as much [time] as I can. But tomorrow is kind of an important day."

Presumably referring to the fracas last Sunday against the Falcons, DeAngelo Hall, via Twitter, says: Just want to Thank the fans, my teammates and Organization for supporting me! Ive tried to keep my nose clean n play the game the right way.



(washingtonpost.com)