Redskins' Portis still feeling concussion effects

Nov 16, 2009 - 8:12 PM By JOSEPH WHITE AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Clinton Portis is still experiencing "a little blurriness" from his concussion, making it uncertain whether the Washington Redskins running back will play next week against Dallas.

When Portis does come back, he'll regain his starting job - even though the Redskins had their best rushing day of the season without him.

Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Portis is improving but continues to feels the effects of a helmet-to-helmet hit against Atlanta on Nov. 8. Portis sat out Sunday's 27-17 win over Denver, ending his streak of 40 consecutive starts.

"I think the headaches are now gone; I think the ringing's gone," Zorn said. "But, as he would put it, there's still a little blurriness. It's when you move your head real quick. Something's still there, and day-by-day I think he's getting better and better."

Zorn said he'll be cautious with Portis and will need to see a full practice from the two-time Pro Bowl running back before deciding to play him.

The Redskins ran for 174 yards Sunday, led by 114 from Ladell Betts. Portis, who has battled several leg injuries this year, is having one of the worst seasons of his career. He has only one 100-yard game (109 vs. Kansas City) and is averaging just 4.0 yards per carry.

Still, Zorn said Portis remains the No. 1 back.

"I don't want a guy to have to lose his job because he got a concussion," Zorn said. "He's our running back. Who knows what kind of game he might have had?"

In other injury news, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has a sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated later in the week. Offensive linemen Mike Williams continues to recover from a sprained ankle, but Zorn said the starting offensive line will remain unchanged for the Dallas game even if Williams is healthy.

The Redskins also signed cornerback Doug Dutch to the practice squad.