Clinton Portis Out For At Least A Month Due To Groin Injury

Added on Oct 06, 2010 by Jason Kearney in

NFL

The Washington Redskins got a bad injury hit today with the announcement that two time Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis. Portis suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia and will miss four to 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 will now have to carry the rushing load for Washington–both have talent, but have only a combined 70 carries at the pro level.

Redskins’ coach Mike Shanahan indicated that Portis has a third degree separation of the left groin, with the muscle separated off the bone. The good news is that surgery won’t be required, though he’ll be on the shelf for at least a month. Shanahan commended Portis’ effort so far this season as he discussed the injury:

“That’s disappointing, that working so hard, playing so well, that he’s got that setback.”

Portis missed half of last season with a severe concussion after suffering a nasty helmet to helmet hit. Washington brought in veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to training camp to give Portis some competitive pressure, but he won the job and both Johnson and Parker were cut before the season began. According to Portis, the challenge forced him to renew his focus and dedication to the game. He’d 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’ franchise rushing record.

Shanahan said that the injury provides his young running backs with an opportunity to show their skills:

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

Torain will start, and Shanahan says he’s definitely got the talent to be a 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 health is a concern after a series of knee injuries in his first two years in the league. He’s aware that he’s got a rep as ‘damaged goods’:

“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.”

In other injury news, Redskins’ punter Josh Bidwell is still sidelined with a hip injury so the team has signed Hunter Smith to fill in.