Clinton Portis has spent much of the offseason quietly working and doing what's asked of him. That's expected to help Portis keep the Redskins' starting running back job away from fellow Pro Bowl picks Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, the The Washington Postreported Thursday, citing team sources.
Trainer: Haynesworth sheds 32 pounds
Albert Haynesworth has been
a no-show for the Redskins' offseason activities, but his personal trainer said the lineman has trimmed down and plans to be in top shape for training camp later this month. **More ...**
When Mike Shanahan arrived as the Redskins' coach and publicly challenged Portis to get into better shape, the running back shed nearly 15 pounds -- down to 217 pounds from his 230-pound playing weight for most of 2009, sources told The Post. Shanahan, who coached Portis for two seasons in Denver, has been happy with the running back's focus and effort, according to The Post.
Shanahan hasn't named a starting running back, and Johnson and Parker will have the chance to prove themselves in training camp, which starts July 29 in Ashburn, Va.
Portis, 28, is guaranteed $6.4 million of his $7.2 million base salary in 2010, and the team would like to see him return to form after he rushed for just 494 yards and one touchdown in eight games in 2009. His season was cut short because of concussion issues.
