http://www.dcexaminer.com/sports/112008_A_return_to_form.htmlPortis says he hopes to be full speed this weekend Almost three hours before kickoff, several sets of eyes examined Clinton Portis, searching for a clue about his status. They watched him take handoffs, looking for his burst. They resumed the debate in Jim Zorn’s office a short time later. Portis lobbied on his behalf; Zorn wanted to be convinced.
And when Zorn told Portis he would play, the running back said he “was fired up. He couldn’t have been happier.”
There’s no such drama surrounding Portis this week. He didn’t practice Wednesday but he is feeling better than a week ago and he will play against Seattle. No ifs, ands or buts, he said, about his status. More than that, he hopes to run more like himself — something he could not do against Dallas.
“I tried not to notice the [injury],” Portis said. “But I didn’t have the leg drive and I couldn’t pull out of stuff. As far as running the ball I did OK, but when you’re talking about breaking tackles and a burst of speed, I didn’t have it. So that’s what I’m working on this week.”
“He started off strong, but he did wear down a little bit,” Zorn said.
Considering what he means to the offense, the Redskins need a healthy Portis. He’s already rushed for 1,063 yards and seven scores. And he’s on pace for 1,700 yards — before the Pittsburgh game, he was on pace for nearly 1,900.
He’s not the only player who is returning to good, or at least improved, health. Rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly, who has been bothered by his left knee all season, is expected to play for the first time since Oct. 19. And corner Shawn Springs, who has missed the past four games with a calf injury, also practiced Wednesday and is expected to play.
Portis is encouraged that he’ll be closer to 100 percent Sunday, if only because he has much more range of motion in his knee. Last week, he didn’t have much motion until the day before the game.
“Last Friday I didn’t think it was possible for me to play,” Portis said.
Within two days that changed. Then he carried the ball 15 times for 68 yards.
“It’s amazing,” Zorn said, “as he speaks to you about football means to him, he’s true to that. It means a lot to him to play. That’s what I love about him, about what he does. When he comes ready to play, he gives it his all."
