No Increase in Optimism on Portis
Coach Jim Zorn said he was hoping for a better report on Clinton Portis today, but the tailback was unable to do much more than get more treatment for his knee sprain. "I was hoping today there would be a little more optimism, but there's not," Zorn said.
Tailback Ladell Betts performed well in practice with a brace on his injured knee. "He made some cuts," Zorn said, hoping that if Portis misses Sunday night's game against Dallas that Betts will be able to start.
Rookie wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is progressing in practice, Zorn said, and has had no setbacks with his knee. However, Zorn does not expect to activate Kelly this week because he is "so far behind" but is encouraged by what he has seen.
"I'm just glad he's out there and feeling no pain," Zorn said.
It is not looking as if Marcus Washington (shoulder) or Anthony Montgomery (Achilles') will be able to play. Shawn Springs is still expected to play and Zorn said that cornerback DeAngelo Hall, acquired last weekend, will participate on some kickoff units and play an undetermined amount of snaps on defense.
Although wide receiver Devin Thomas missed practice because of a stomach ailment, he should be able to play Sunday, Zorn said.
By Cindy Boren | November 13, 2008; 1:26 PM ET