CINCINNATI -- Running back Clinton Portis partially dislocated his left shoulder during Washington's opening series of the preseason Sunday night, a significant setback for the Redskins' revamped offense.
An MRI test detected the injury, which involves the bone popping out of place temporarily in the shoulder socket. Standard treatment involves rest and strengthening exercises.
There was no immediate indication how long he will be sidelined.
Portis opened the game by carrying for 8 yards, then blocked on pass plays. He didn't return for the next series, and headed for the locker room a little while later without his jersey to get the shoulder tested.
The Redskins got Portis from Denver in a trade for cornerback Champ Bailey in March 2004. He started 15 games for the Redskins the next season, and ran for more than 1,300 yards for the third straight year.
Portis started every game last season, running for a club-record 1,516 yards. He had nine 100-yard games, helping the Redskins win 10 games and reach the playoffs as a wild-card team.
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| Portis heads into the locker room after injuring his shoulder. (AP) |
Portis' backup is Ladell Betts, who carried 89 times for 338 yards in 12 games last season and missed four games because of a knee injury.
The Redskins' corps of running backs sustained another injury in the second quarter Sunday, when Kerry Carter had to be helped off the field with an injured right knee. Carter was signed as a free agent in January after missing last season.
Washington's second-string linebacker Chris Clemons sprained a ligament in his left knee late in the first quarter. Clemons, who started one game last season, had a brace placed on the knee before he was helped off the field. He didn't put weight on his left leg.
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