ASHBURN, Va. (Sept. 5, 2006) -- Running back Clinton Portis and cornerback Shawn Springs didn't practice, and their availability for Washington 's regular-season opener against Minnesota was uncertain.
Portis, who partially dislocated his shoulder in the preseason opener against Cincinnati, was the only player not on the field at the start of the workout but arrived to watch before it was over.
Springs, recovering from abdomen surgery, and backup defensive end Renaldo Wynn (sprained ankle) also watched from the sidelines.
Portis didn't comment as he left the field. Coach Joe Gibbs said he needs to see Portis practice before putting him in a game. The players will have off Sept. 6, followed by three days of full practice.
"He is still day to day," Gibbs said. "He had a real good day in the weight room and rehab also. He is doing a real good job with it and will continue to expand what he is doing. It's still day to day, though. He feels like he is making good progress."
Portis set a franchise record with 1,516 yards last season. If he can't play, Ladell Betts will get the start.
Springs has been considered a long shot to play in the game against the Vikings. He had surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle Aug. 15 and was expected to need at least four weeks to recover, which would rule him out until Week 2 at the earliest.
"I'm a work in progress," Springs said.
Carlos Rogers and Kenny Wright would be the expected starters in Springs' absence.
Wynn hopes to practice Sept. 7.
The good news for the Redskins was the return of two key defensive linemen, Phillip Daniels and Cornelius Griffin. Daniels had missed the final three exhibition games with a sprained back, while Griffin sat out the final two games with a sprained right knee.
"A lot of it was precautionary," Daniels said. "I could've played through the pain, but they said there was no use in preseason. I feel good. I'm glad to be back and get ready for Monday night."
