Clinton Portis Could Be Done As A Redskin

Before the season started, there had been numerous reports on Clinton Portis in regards to having his best offseason of his NFL career. Portis was attending the offseason workout program instituted by Head Coach Mike Shanahan. After the Redskins brought in two veteran running backs, it appeared that Portis's starting job was in jeopardy. But Portis regain his starting running back job after intense competition during training camp.

After two forgettable years under former Coach Jim Zorn, Portis appeared to be rejuvenated when Shanahan arrived. Portis had a great relationship with Shanahan dating back to his first two seasons in Denver. With the offseason over, Portis entered the 2010 season in football shape and motivated to have a comeback season.

However, there were questions whether if Portis would stay healthy for the rest of season? Apparently, it didn't take long to answer that question.

This past week, the Redskins announced that Portis suffered a third-degree separation of his left groin and he will be out for 4-6 weeks. This means that third year running back Ryan Torain will get the starting job. So, does this mean that Clinton Portis just played his last game as a Redskin?

It could be the case for two reasons. First, Torain has proven he can carry the load and be an effective tailback along the way. He rushed for 70 yards and had one touchdown against Philadelphia last week. Torain has the potential to elevate his game this Sunday against Green Bay, and possibly solve the Redskins running game issues.

Secondly, and most importantly, Portis is getting old. He just turn 29 last month, and typically running backs tend to be at the tail end of their careers. Also, since he signed the contract extension in 2008, Portis has been gradually declining in term of production on the field. He fell short of 1500 yards two seasons ago, and he missed the rest of the 2009 season with a concussion. Portis hasn't really been a really productive back since 2007, the last time the Redskins made the playoffs. Therefore, this injury he just suffered is sadly not a surprise given his age.

So I expect the Redskins to sideline Portis for the rest of the year, even if he is technically ready to play late in the season. That is too bad, considering that Portis is one of the best run and pass blockers on the roster. But injuries will take its toll eventually on a older player. The good news for Portis is that he's getting $7.7 million in guaranteed money, but his contract for 2011 isn't guaranteed.

So, there is a good chance that Portis will not return to the Redskins next season, and it could be the first of a major overhaul for the entire 53 man roster. There is also a chance that Portis could have a successful rehab procedure and return in week 12, but I just don't see that happening because of his history of injuries and his declining performance on the field.

So bye bye CP #26!!! Thanks for seven memorable seasons!!!

Clinton Portis Is Trying to Keep His Starting Job

I've always tried to like Clinton Portis as a player during his tenure in Washington. But his approach to the coaching staff and his teammates led to questions about his character. I sometimes feel that Portis is a cancer to this team in terms of how he treated Mike Sellers last season, his dislike of former coach Jim Zorn, his royal relationship with owner Daniel Snyder,  his approach to practice and offseason workouts, and his goofy-looking costumes to attract media attention. I think Portis never really cared about the team and only cared about himself. His statistics doesn't show it, but his body language and attitude goes a long way.

However, the former Miami Hurricane has a new sense of motivation. The Redskins have a new head coach in Mike Shanahan, Portis' former coach in Denver. The team has a new General Manager in Bruce Allen, and Snyder is apparently backing off on football related decisions. Shanahan also declared competition in all starting roster spots. To add even more frustration for Portis, the Redskins signed two veteran running backs; Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker.

For Clinton Portis, he realized that his starting running back job was on the line this offseason, and now he is determined to keep his starting role.

Portis begin attending most of the optional offseason workout programs, something he never did when Jim Zorn were at the helm.  Portis also lost 13 pounds after weighing about 230 last season.

Headed into training camp, Portis is the favorite to start at running back once again. Shanahan has been impressed with Portis's approach to offseason workouts. Whether his conditioning can translate into big numbers for Portis in 2010 remains to be seen. Portis will turn 29 when the season begins in September.

What do you think?  Can Clinton Portis return to being a elite running back this season?