Banged up 'Skins without several starters at practice
Sports Network | October 16, 2008
Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Running back Clinton Portis headlined a list of Washington Redskins starters that sat for a second straight day of practice Thursday leading up to Sunday's home matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
Portis sat with a hip injury while left tackle Chris Samuels (ankle), defensive end Jason Taylor (calf), cornerback Carlos Rogers (calf) and safety Chris Horton (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday. Only Rogers was able to participate in practice Wednesday, although he was limited
Washington is already without running back Ladell Betts, who is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained knee suffered in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams. In the wake of that news, the team signed free agent running back Shaun Alexander on Tuesday to back up Portis.
Cornerback Fred Smoot, who was limited in both days of practice this week with a groin injury, is unofficially doubtful according to head coach Jim Zorn. Zorn told the Redskins' website that Smoot's injury is one of the more serious concerns for the secondary.
Washington's secondary is already without safety Reed Doughty, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a back injury. Horton is the backup but is still nursing an ankle injury suffered in the loss against St. Louis.
Making matters worse, cornerback Shawn Springs left practice Thursday after tweaking a calf injury. His status will be updated Friday. Defensive back Mike Green, added to the roster Tuesday may be pressed into service should Washington be without the services of Smoot and/or Springs on Sunday.
