Proceeding cautiously, Redskins want Portis back

As expected, running back Clinton Portis will sit out his third consecutive game because of lingering affects from a concussion, but he still could return this season, Coach Jim Zorn said today.

"Clinton Portis is not going to play again for another week," Zorn said. "He is going to have another exam on Monday after our game against New Orleans. ... He may practice some this week, but he's going to be out for the game. We're going to try to get him going and try to see if we can get those symptoms to not continue to reoccur."

Portis has not played since suffering the concussion in the Nov. 8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. As of last week, the eight-year veteran had continued to experience blurry vision. The Redskins at 3-8 and in last place in the NFC East. Even if Portis returns to full strength before the season ends, I can't see a compelling reason to bring him back for the final few games.

Zorn views the situation differently.

"He's a guy we want. We want him to participate. We want him to be a Redskin player. Absolutely," Zorn said. "And if he's healthy, he's gonna wanna go. And we're going to want him to go.

"So, yeah, I think all those things are compelling. Now, we're going to make sure his head's right. But that's why we're talking the precautions we are."



(washingtonpost.com)