Clinton

Portis

When asked how many, Gibbs said, “His tongue’s going to be hanging out. Let’s put it that way.” We’e guessing Portis easily tops 300 for the first time in his career.

The Redskins used a third receiver instead of an H-back in week six, giving Portis more room to manuever. C.P. also suffered a neck strain during the game, but he’ll be fine after Washington’s bye week.

Portis and the Redskins have struggled in short-yardage situations all season. It looks like he waits too long for holes to develop.

Last week, Ladell Betts was used to spell Portis for whole series. Now, he’ll only come in on the occasional play. Despite the apparent good news for Portis owners, running backs coach Ernest Byner is also saying the team has too much invested in Portis to wear him out, and with the team all but eliminated from the playoffs, may want to see if they are right about Betts having a future in the league.

He suffered a chest bruise Sunday. The Redskins won’t risk playing him if he’s seriously hurt.

That would be bad news for Portis, who struggled to score TDs this season. Portis, who averaged 5.5 yards-per-carry last season, didn’t average 5.5 yards-per-carry in a single game this season.

All that remains is Champ Bailey signing a long-term deal in Denver, which seems likely after his Wednesday visit. The Broncos talks with the Jets are strictly a backup plan.

Portis, who received a four-year deal after being drafted, wanted a new contract following his rookie season. He’s going to demand one after another excellent year. The Broncos are willing to tear up the old deal and give him a hefty raise, but if Portis insists on becoming one of the game’s highest-paid running backs, things could get messy.

Nice deal for both sides and one of the biggest blockbusters in NFL history. Denver needs a shut-down corner, while Joe Gibbs craves a premier tailback. Denver is asking for a second-round draft pick in addition to Bailey. The Broncos rightly believe in their system and are very high on Quentin Griffin and Ahmaad Galloway at tailback. Griffin’s fantasy value skyrockets if this deal happens.

The trade looks likely to happen, but both sides need to work out long-term contract extensions before it gets done. This could take a while, but trades can’t officially happen until March 3rd anyway.