REDSKINS LOSE CLINTON PORTIS TO INJURY

The Washington Redskins entered the year without much experience at running back and that situation got worse today due to an injury to two time Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis.   Portis suffered a groin injury in Sunday's victory over the Eagles at Philadelphia and will be out of action at least a month and possibly as long as six weeks.
 Portis' injury leaves the Redskins with only two healthy tailbacks on the roster--neither of whom have much NFL experience.  Ryan Torain and Chad Simpson are now the team’s only option for Washington at running back and while both have talent they only have a total of 70 carries at the NFL level between them.

Washington coach Mike Shanahan informed the media that Portis suffered a third degree separation of the left groin where the muscle has separated completely off the bone.
Surgery won’t be necessary, but 4 to 6 weeks out of action will be required for it to heal.  Shanahan said that it’s an unfortunate situation:

"That's disappointing, that working so hard, playing so well, that he's got that setback."

Portis missed the final 8 games of the 2009 with a severe concussion suffered in a hard helmet to helmet hit.  So far this season, Portis had rushed for 195 yards on 49 carries this season leaving him 109 yards shy of 10,000 for his career and is 680 short of John Riggins' all time Redskins’ rushing record.

Shanahan said that the injury gives his young running backs an opportunity to showcase their talent:

"Some guys have got to step up. Ryan has got a little playing time, and we'll see what he can do."

Torain becomes Washington’s starter at the position, and Shanahan says he's got the talent to be a solid NFL running back:

"Ryan has the ability to be a top back and we'll find out in time if he can do that and stay healthy."

Torain's ability to avoid injury is a concern after a series of knee ailments in his first two years in the league.  He's aware that he's got a reputation for being ‘brittle’:

"Definitely got labeled that. I definitely felt like I had to get that bug off my shoulder and stay healthy. ... Luck wasn't on my side my rookie year."

The Redskins host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, with Washington installed as a +2’ point NFL betting underdog.  The total on the game is posted at 44.