Redskins RB Portis unlikely to play Sunday

Nov 14, 2008 - 6:45 PM ASHBURN, Virginia (Ticker) -- Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis did not practice Friday, fueling speculation that he will not play in Sunday's showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.

Portis, the league's second-leading rusher with 995 yards, sprained his left knee in the team's 23-6 loss to Pittsburgh on November 3. Washington had a bye last weekend.

Ladell Betts, who has missed the last three games with a sprained knee of his own, has been practicing this week and will likely get the start if Portis can't play.

If Betts is unable to play, Shaun Alexander would likely get the start.

Portis, who has seven touchdowns, was held to 51 yards on 13 carries against the Steelers, snapping a string of five consecutive games in which he had rushed for at least 121 yards.

The Redskins (6-3) trail the New York Giants (8-1) by two games for first place in the NFC East, and Dallas is close behind at 5-4.