Clinton Portis is the starter heading into camp

Just in case there was any question, we can clear up this much: the Redskins' starting running back right now is Clinton Portis.

"Clinton has been the back here, and he's definitely the starting back going into training camp," said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. "We don't really talk about that stuff because we want three guys who all can do it. Whoever can do it, will do it. Clinton's running with the starters. We're planning on it being that way until the next guy steps up."

The team signed veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker this offseason. The coaching staff has been reluctant to name starters at any position while encouraging competition everywhere.

At the team's organized team activities (OTAs), Portis has been getting the majority of repetitions with the first team. He and quarterback Donovan McNabb have been taking part in more OTAs than in recent years, and the extra time together during the offseason apparently is paying off.

"With Clinton, it seems like we've been playing together for a while," McNabb said. "Obviously, with him being in this sort of offense in Denver and now coming here with [Joe] Gibbs' brand, he has that experience. But our chemistry has definitely been there. We've just been communicating and making sure that everybody is kind of thinking on the same wave length."

That isn't to say that the running back position is locked up. Coaches will continue to monitor all three veteran backs through training camp.

"I see three very good ones," Kyle Shanahan said. "Each one is a little different. I know I see three starting NFL backs, which is exciting."

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(washingtonpost.com)