Redskins may have some key players missing against Lions

The Lions face another team with some injury issues this Sunday when the head to Washington to face the Redskins. Running back Clinton Portis is questionable with tendinitis in his right knee flaring up, while starting wideout Santana Moss is dealing with a groin injury. The Washington Post gives a good overview of the situation; there are some quotes that give some good insight into the team's injury situation, including their backup plans.

The Washington Post, October 2: Coach Joe Gibbs said he does not "anticipate" being without Moss, and hopes to have Portis as well against the Detroit Lions (3-1), though neither is certain of playing. Portis aggravated the problem in the third week of the season and even after receiving treatment and resting last week was held out of practice yesterday. It is not uncommon for tendinitis to linger and flare up, and determining a precise timetable for a return can be tricky.

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Portis has been far more productive than backup Ladell Betts at this point, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with three touchdowns while Betts is averaging 2.7 yards per carry with no scores. Portis said last week that he "felt fine" after the Giants game, and the team did not list him among the injured players before breaking for the bye. Moss is a Pro Bowl performer who is among the most irreplaceable players on an offense that ranks 22nd in the league in scoring. He is one of the best deep ball receivers in the game and has meshed well with quarterback Jason Campbell, leading the team with 12 receptions through three games.

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Portis has been far more productive than backup Ladell Betts at this point, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with three touchdowns while Betts is averaging 2.7 yards per carry with no scores. Portis said last week that he "felt fine" after the Giants game, and the team did not list him among the injured players before breaking for the bye. Moss is a Pro Bowl performer who is among the most irreplaceable players on an offense that ranks 22nd in the league in scoring. He is one of the best deep ball receivers in the game and has meshed well with quarterback Jason Campbell, leading the team with 12 receptions through three games.

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The Redskins are carrying six receivers -- more than normal -- but only the starting receivers, Moss and Antwaan Randle El, actually have caught a pass this season, and only seven Redskins in total have caught passes (tied for the NFL low). Receiver James Thrash is used primarily on special teams and as a blocker on running plays, and Brandon Lloyd, acquired for two drafts picks and given a hefty contract extension in 2006, has barely been on the field in recent weeks. Reche Caldwell, who played with McCardell in San Diego, was inactive for the two games after being signed, but Gibbs said, "I think he's ready to go," this week.