Portis in, Torain out; Hicks questionable

The revolving door continued at running back: Clinton Portis is in; Ryan Torain is out.

Meanwhile, coach Mike Shanahan is holding out hope that half his secondary will be available Sunday – even if that seems unlikely.

Cornerback Carlos Rogers and strong safety LaRon Landry both are listed as questionable, but both were limited in practice all week. Rogers said on Thursday that he probably would not play; it’s rare for a player to say such a thing and then somehow still play. And Landry told TBD.com on Thursday that he likely wouldn’t play before saying something else several hours later.

Rogers said he would test his right hamstring Saturday.

If Rogers can’t play, Phillip Buchanon would get the start. Reed Doughty would replace Landry.

Also, right tackle Jammal Brown was cleared of his concussion and will play Sunday. Right guard Artis Hicks is questionable because of a thigh/groin issue and was seen walking gingerly. Will Montgomery would replace him. Others listed as questionable: receiver Brandon Banks (knee), defensive lineman Kedric Golston (elbow) and defensive lineman Jeremy Jarmon (hamstring). Jarmon did not practice.

Portis, who missed the past five games with a torn groin, returns at a necessary time as Torain won’t play because of his hamstring.

Shanahan said he’s not worried about Portis being rusty.

“I feel pretty good about him or we wouldn’t play him,” he said.

The big benefit of Portis’ return is his ability to help in pass protection. In the four games he’s played, the Redskins allowed just six sacks; in the five games he’s missed, they’ve allowed 19. It’s not all because of Portis, but his presence in the backfield definitely helps.

He sees things, and can react to various defenses, much quicker than a rookie or another inexperienced player.

“There’s no question about that,” Shanahan said. “He’s got a lot of experience and more importantly he enjoys doing it. Not only does he recognize defenses quicker, but once he gets there he is usually in a bad mood, which is always good.”