It did not take long for running back Clinton Portis to answer the question that is on the mind of every Redskins fan: what is his status for this Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks?

"I am playing this week and there are no ifs, ands or buts about it," Portis said.

Head coach Jim Zorn was not as empathic with his answer, saying it will once again be a game-time decision.

Portis sat out practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week due to a sprained knee.

He missed practice all last week, but he was still able to carry the ball 15 times for 68 yards against a swarming Dallas Cowboy defense last Sunday night.

Although Portis averaged 4.5 yards per carry, he believed the health of his knee was a factor in the Redskins' 14-10 loss to Dallas.

"I didn't have leg drive," Portis said. " I couldn't have high knees and pull out of stuff. I think as far as running the ball, I did okay. But when you talk about breaking tackles and having a burst of speed, I didn't have it. That is what I am working on."

Portis, ranked second in the NFL with 1,063 rushing yards, would face a less-than-stellar run defense this Sunday if he plays against Seattle.

The Seahawks allow 115.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 31st in the league.

Nonetheless, Zorn believes the Seahawks will be a tough matchup for the Redskins' offense.

"I know the athletes they have on the team," Zorn said. "Lofa Tatupu will not allow his group to slack at all. They will have something for us. We know them and they know me."

After losing their last two games, Portis and the Redskins know the significance of this week's matchup.

"It has been three weeks since we have had a win and I think guys are having a lot of questions," Portis said. "Everybody just wants to get a win."

If Portis has a setback with his injury, Ladell Betts and Shaun Alexander could see significant carries.

Betts was limited in practice this week with a sprained knee. Zorn has said he expects Betts to be available to play Sunday in Seattle.