Portis Takes 'Mental Reps'; May Actually Play on Sunday Against Dallas

The common thought is that Redskins running back Clinton Portis is unlikely to play against the Cowboys tomorrow night. He has yet to practice this week with a sprained MCL and the team has been trying to get Ladell Betts ready to take his place.

Still, head coach Jim Zorn thinks Portis may actually play. He is still listed as questionable and is considered a game-time decision. Zorn even had him kind of practicing.

Portis was on the Redskins Park practice fields on Friday, but he did not participate in the session.

"Clinton got some mental reps just in case he has a chance to go," Zorn said.

Even if Portis is available to play against the Cowboys, he would be used in a "limited fashion," Zorn added.

Mental reps, huh? Portis' backup, Betts, was limited in practice yesterday as he is recovering from his own knee injury. That could mean former league MVP Shaun Alexander, who has carried the ball ten times for 23 yards this season, could see a lot of work.

Some good news in Washington is that Shawn Springs should be able to play. He rejoins what is looking like a nice stable of defensive backs. Fred Smoot and Carlos Rogers have been starting in Springs absence and the team added DeAngelo Hall last week. If you remember, it was Springs who did an outstanding job holding down Terrell Owens in the Redskins-Cowboys first meeting.