Portis placed on IR list

In a move that became more likely each week Clinton Portis sat out, the Redskins today put the veteran running back on the season-ending injured-reserve list because of his health problems stemming from a concussion suffered a month ago.

"We felt at this juncture in season, it was best to place Clinton on
Injured Reserve," said Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations. "After consulting with our medical staff and other specialists, Clinton's prognosis is good and we expect him to make a full recovery and return to the Redskins."
Coach Jim Zorn was not quoted in the news release. Portis joins tight end Chris Cooley and left tackle Chris Samuels as Redskins' offensive Pro Bowlers on IR. He's the 10th player this season the team has placed on injured reserve.

Portis on Monday traveled to Pittsburgh to begin a two-day evaluation process under the supervision of concussion specialists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. But after physicians determined that Portis had not improved enough to be cleared to resume full participation in football activity, the Redskins decided to end Portis's season.

Portis's main doctor "didn't like what he saw," the eight-year veteran said during his regular scheduled appearance on ESPN 980's "The John Thompson Show."

"I was really hoping I could get back on the field."

Portis has experienced vision problems since he suffered the concussion in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. On the radio show, Portis said he' has been feeling better, but test results the past two days indicated otherwise. In a couple of areas, "I had went down," Portis said.

Portis said he thought his vision was improved, but results showed that one eye wasn't as strong as the other and another strong hit could cause further damage. The "doctor said he wasn't going to" clear him, Portis said. "That's life, man."

In the brief interview today, Portis didn't seem to know what his long-term future might hold. "I think I'll get well. I think I have to go and really put the time into rehabbing and continuing to do what the doctors say," he said. "At the same time, man, to have the opportunity to play for eight years and compete ... I look back today, I feel like I've had a great career."

Portis last renegotiated his contract in March 2008, receiving a signing bonus of almost $9.4 million. By the end of this season, Portis, under the terms of the renegotiated deal, will have been paid more than $2.35 million in salaries and bonuses in addition to his signing bonus.

Most of Portis's 2010 base salary of almost $7.2 million is guaranteed, and he is also due roster and workout bonuses totaling about $507,000.

Before his concussion, Portis struggled in the Redskins' first seven games. He rushed for only 494 yards with a 4.0-yard average and scored one touchdown. Last season, Portis rushed for 1,487 yards with a 4.3-yard average and nine touchdowns.

Although the move was not entirely unexpected because of the amount of time Portis has been sidelined, his teammates were nonetheless disappointed and expressed concern about Portis's health.

"Clinton is a tough guy, he's real tough, and he's definitely been the face of the franchise of the Redskins the last few years," wide receiver Devin Thomas said. "It's tough when you lose a guy like that for the rest of the season. He's one of those guys like [tight end] Chris Cooley, a Pro Bowler who means a lot to our offense. You look forward to seeing those guys play.

"But you also look forward to seeing those guys in the locker room and just being around the team. As a young player, those are the guys you watch and you learn a lot from. You could say they definitely leave some big shoes to fill. But the most important things is their health. Clinton's been a great player for a long time, so you just want to make sure his health is good."



(wahisngtonpost.com)