Redskins ink RB Betts to extension

Dec 8, 2006 - 8:13 PM ASHBURN, Virginia (Ticker) -- Ladell Betts apparently is making the most of his opportunity.

Betts, who has filled in as the Washington Redskins' starting running back for the injured Clinton Portis, on Friday signed a contract extension with the team. Terms were not disclosed.

A second-round pick in 2002 out of Iowa, Betts already has set career highs of 141 rushing attempts and 643 yards in 12 games this season. The 27-year-old - who has two rushing touchdowns - ran for a career-best 155 yards in Sunday's 24-14 loss to Atlanta, eclipsing the century mark for the third time this year.

The 5-10, 222-pound Betts also has caught a career-high 40 passes for 301 yards in place of Portis, who suffered a broken hand in a 27-3 loss to Philadelphia on November 12, ending his season.

In 60 games over five campaigns with the Redskins, Betts has gained 1,914 yards and scored seven times on 462 carries. He also has 92 receptions for 808 yards.