Shawn Springs and Clinton Portis returned to the Redskins Park practice fields on Wednesday, but Springs had to leave early after sustaining a minor groin injury.

The injury is not considered serious and it is not related to the abdominal surgery he underwent last month, head coach Joe Gibbs said.

"We think it's probably just [the result of] getting back into the groove," Gibbs said. "We felt like he had been working hard in the training exercises, so we felt like we could get him some work today."

Springs entered the week of practice listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

Team officials will continue to evaluate his latest injury and Springs' status for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans will be updated later this week.

If Springs is unable to play on Sunday, Kenny Wright would likely draw the start opposite Carlos Rogers for the third week in a row.

Asked about Springs, defensive tackle Joe Salave'a said: "Hopefully, he'll be ready to go. He's a veteran and he has some years under his belt in this scheme in our defense. To have another guy in there of his caliber can only help."

Meantime, Portis returned to practice after missing all of last week plus the Dallas Cowboys game due to a shoulder injury.

Portis is listed as probable on the team's injury report, a positive sign that he will be available for the Texans game.

Said Gibbs: "Clinton looked good. He played the whole practice. I think we're okay there."

Coming off the field, Portis did not stop to talk with reporters, but he did say that his shoulder "made it through [practice] okay."

Salave'a is listed as questionable due to a calf injury he sustained during the Cowboys game. He sat out Wednesday's practice.

Asked if Salave's would be available for the Texans game, Gibbs replied: "I think it depends on what happens [in practice] this week. He sat out [Wednesday], so we'll just have to see."

If Salave'a is unable to play, he could be replaced in the lineup by rookie defensive tackle Kedric Golston, a sixth-round draft pick that has impressed early this season. Coaches may also shift Renaldo Wynn to the defensive tackle position or turn to third-year lineman Ryan Boschetti.

Santana Moss sat out Wednesday's practice to rest a sore hip. He is listed as probable for Sunday's game.