Clinton Portis remains a game time decision for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Portis, officially listed as questionable, continues to rehab a sprained knee. He took limited work in practice on Friday.
Jim Zorn remained cautious about Portis's status.
If Portis is unable to go, then Ladell Betts would draw the start with Shaun Alexander next in line.
"Clinton didn't practice at all last week and he played well and he played hard [against Dallas]," Zorn said. "Some of it will depend on how he feels toward the end of the week."
Zorn indicated that he may have to deactivate Alexander if Portis is able to go. He was uncertain whether the team could afford to carry four running backs on the game day roster and still have enough depth at other positions.
"There is a chance at [Alexander being deactivated], but that is not what I want," Zorn said. "Having four running backs is a luxury."
The concern with Portis is in part due to conditioning. Apart from playing in the Cowboys game, Portis has mostly been inactive since suffering the injury in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It is a really hard thing, because it is his knee," Zorn said. "It's a double-edged sword. We have to rest it to get better, but we lose stamina and we lose some hardness of practicing every day, of being involved with the movement.
"That's why putting Shaun down doesn't make any sense to me right now. We may not even have Clinton the whole game."
Portis is the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,063 yards and seven touchdowns on 215 carries.
Betts is listed as probable as he continues to return from a sprained knee of his own.
-- RANDLE EL IS QUESTIONABLE, TOO
Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle.
He was limited in practice on Friday, a positive sign that his ankle injury is improving.
"I think by game time [Randle El] will be ready to go," Jim Zorn said.
If Randle El is unable to play, then James Thrash would likely start in his place. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly could also see action.
Meantime, Chris Samuels was full-go in practice on Friday and he is expected to be available for the Seahawks game.
Officially, Samuels is listed as probable.
