For Redskins fans, Clinton Portis has always been "Must-See TV." This week, he is gracing the cover of TV Guide magazine in the Washington, D.C., region.
Portis is looking forward to producing an entertaining afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. He has been slowed by a sprained ankle suffered in the Week 7 game against Indianapolis, but he has practiced this week and he is listed as probable for the game.
Asked how he feels after practices this week, Portis replied: "I feel like a football player. You are never going to be 100 percent during the football season. There are a lot of nagging injuries. Right now that is all that it is."
Portis said this season has been a challenge due to the injuries, which include a shoulder injury suffered in preseason.
"At the same time I still have an opportunity to play and stay on the field," he said. "I am finding a way to fight through it. I am not one to walk out and not be a part of this season. This is going to be a growing season. The guys here, we are going to have another year or two together. We just have to come together as a team and fight with each other."
Recovering from a shoulder injury, Portis sat out the Redskins' 27-10 loss to Dallas in Week 2 at Texas Stadium.
In four career games against Dallas, Portis has rushed for 290 yards on 73 carries, a 3.9 yards-per-carry average. He finally turned in a solidgame against the Cowboys last December, when he rushed for 112 yards on 23 carries. But he has never gotten into the end zone against Dallas.
On the TV Guide magazine cover, it asks: "Can Clinton Portis Rally the Redskins?"
Whether he can or not, Portis certainly wants the opportunity.
Portis had 12 carries for 43 yards in the Redskins' 36-22 loss to the Colts in Week 7. He also caught four passes for 21 yards.
So far this season, Portis has rushed for 414 yards on 98 carries, with six touchdowns. He also has 15 catches for 155 yards.
Portis has always played within the offensive scheme, but he is not afraid to voice when he wants to run the ball.
"When you are running the ball, you can find a way to grind and find a way to get in a rhythm," he said. "Sometimes throwing the ball can be a quick way to a three-and-out."
With wide receiver Santana Moss questionable for Sunday's game due to a hamstring injury, Portis could be relied on to lead the offense against a Cowboys' defense ranked fourth in the NFL.
Moss has been unable to practice through Thursday. Patten and Lloyd are also on the team's injury list, but are listed as probable. Lloyd has a shoulder injury and Patten has a hamstring injury. They both sat out a portion of practice on Thursday.
"I think someone will have an opportunity," Portis said. "It is just up to us to take advantage of it. If Santana can't go, then you have Brandon [Lloyd], Antwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash, myself and Chris Cooley. Everyone is waiting for an opportunity. Somebody is going to get the opportunity this weekend and they have to make the most of it."
