Clinton Portis almost ready for Monday's season opener

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who was sidelined with a separated shoulder since the Redskins' exhibition opener against Cincinnati on August 13, said that he is close to 100 percent healthy and is hopeful for Monday night's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Portis missed the final three pre-season games and has been listed as questionable all week on the Redskins injury report. However, after participating in a light practice on Saturday, Portis said “I am 93.9 right now. I've still got two more days to get to 100 percent... At the rate things have been increasing, it looks pretty good. Being that the game is on Monday, hopefully I'll be at 100 percent".

Joe Gibbs, the Redskins head coach has said he wants Portis at 100 percent before he returns to the field. Gibbs indicated on Saturday that Portis could be available as a backup on Monday.

If Portis doesn't start, Ladell Betts will likely serve as the primary ball carrier for the Redskins.