Redskins RB Portis might not be ready to return

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis talked about the possibility of playing against the Philadelphia Eagles -- while wearing a Phillies baseball cap.

Portis said Thursday he's not sure yet whether he'll make his return in Monday night's Eagles-Redskins game. He said he's still "real sore" after missing four games with a left groin injury and can't cut the way he wants. He aims to make sure he doesn't reinjure himself when he plays again.

"When I step back on the field, I want to be healthy enough to carry this team for the long run," said Portis, who has only 49 carries for 195 yards this season.

Portis spoke while standing in front of his locker sporting a red hoodie and a Phillies baseball cap. Nothing about Philadelphia sports plays well in Washington -- something Portis should know given that he's played seven years for the Redskins -- so he was asked about his seemingly inappropriate choice of attire.

"I just felt like wearing red," Portis said. "It didn't have nothing to do with the Phillies. This was the only outfit I had, so I just put it on."

When told that the Washington Nationals also wear red caps, Portis said he didn't own one.

Ryan Torain, who has been starting in place of Portis, is nursing a hamstring injury and has been limited in practice. That leaves the Redskins short-handed in the backfield as they prepare for Monday's game.

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The Washington Postreported Wednesday that return specialist Chad Simpson and newly signed James Davis took reps in practice. Neither Simpson nor Davis has a carry this season. Davis is on the practice squad and recently turned down an offer to join the Carolina Panthers' 53-man roster, the Post reported.

Portis, known to ruffle feathers with his outspoken nature, was also asked to weigh in on the benching of quarterback Donovan McNabb and the tempest it created in the city.

"I've been experiencing that for years now," Portis said. "It's kind of shocking to see somebody else go through what I've been going through for years."

Coach Mike Shanahan is holding out hope that return man Brandon Banks could play Monday. Banks was expected to miss one to three games after undergoing knee surgery last week, but Shanahan said the 155-pound rookie is rehabilitating quickly.

"I think a lot has to do with his size," Shanahan said. "Not as much weight on that knee. We're keeping our fingers crossed."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.