Clinton Portis Injured: Five Solutions for the Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday that running back Clinton Portis, who had already been ruled out for Sunday's game against Green Bay, would miss four to six weeks of action with a severe groin injury. Portis injured himself during last Sunday's game against Philadelphia. 

Portis has battled various injuries during his career with Washington, yet he has rushed for 1000 yards in four of his six seasons with the Redskins. Limited to only eight games last year, Portis was hoping to solidify himself as the starter for 2010 and beyond entering the season.

Unfortunately, he struggled in September and had only 18 carries in two games before injuring himself. 

The Redskins find themselves without a true number one running back which will only compound their previous running woes. How will Washington move forward?

Here are five solutions that could solve their running back issues:

Ryan Torain

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Ryan Torain #46 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-12. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

Ryan Torain has only played in four games in his short NFL career. In two games this year, he has rushed for 116 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. With Portis' groin injury, Torain will be asked to carry the load for the next few weeks for the Redskins. 

He played admirably last week against Philadelphia, posting 18 carries and 70 yards including a memorable 13- yard TD run where he steamrolled over Eagles safety Quintin Mikell. Torain, who was just signed off the practice squad two weeks ago, will now be thrust into the starting running back slot for the Redskins.

Head coach Mike Shanahan, who drafted Torain in the 5th round in 2008 while still with Denver, has confidence that the young man can be effective. Torain, who has an injury history of his own, is projected to average anywhere from 20-25 carries while Portis is out.

This is a great opportunity for Torain to claim the starting job for 2010 and beyond if he is able make a difference in the Washington offense. If not, it could be a very short stint in Washington. 

Make a Trade

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Running back Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys cuts back on cornerback Sherrick McManis #22 of the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Washington may feel the need to go outside of the organization to fill the running back void left by Portis. If Torain and the other running backs on the roster fail to produce, there might be several options available through trade. 

Felix Jones had some good years in Dallas and could take some of the load off the current running backs in Washington. Tashard Choice has only eight carries on the year, and if Dallas is open to trading within the division (didn't stop Philadelphia), the Redskins could have an option in Choice. 

The Denver Broncos have had struggles with the run all season long. With Knowshon Moreno at running back long term and the recent acquisition of Laurence Maroney, former Philadelphia Eagle Correll Buckhalter could reunite with quarterback Donovan McNabb. Though not a long term solution, he could form a duo with Torain until Portis returns. 

Finally, Julius Jones of the Seattle Seahawks has seen his production drop since his arrival to Seattle. He only has 12 rushes for 30 yards this season and was a healthy scratch for last week's game against St. Louis. With the team's recent trade for Marshawn Lynch, Jones could be the odd man out. He had several productive years in Dallas and could be a decent option for Washington.

Free Agency

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ASHBURN, VA - JULY 29: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball during drills on the first day of training camp July 29, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

If the Redskins don't want to expend a draft pick or player to fill the running back void, they could look to several free-agent running backs who are looking for teams.

Justin Fargas spent several years as an effective running back in Oakland before being released in the offseason. He is on the older side for running backs at 30 years old but could be effective if utilized in a three or four game stint. 

The Redskins could bring in a familiar face: Larry Johnson. Johnson, who was with the team all through training camp and the early part of the season before being cut, could fare well in a situation where he is not in for every down. He was released in part due to the Redskins' need for a player that could contribute on special teams. But now with Portis out, he could possibly once again be a focal point in the offense.

Another free agent signing in the offseason, Willie Parker, could rejoin the team in some facet. Willie Parker had some good years in Pittsburgh, and officials had hoped he could be a veteran three-headed monster with the Redskins until he got hurt and was eventually cut in the preseason. Now, similarly to Johnson, Parker could come in and contribute right away. 

The UFL

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 27: Ahman Green #34 of the Green Bay Packers breaks away from Will Herring #54 of the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

If things get really desperate for the Washington Redskins, there are a few running back options who are currently making noise in the United Football League. The UFL was started back in 2009 to give unsigned free agents and undrafted rookies a place to hone their skills and make a case to return to the NFL.

Kevin Jones, who played with Detroit and Chicago for several seasons in the NFL, could be an option for Washington. He just recently signed with the UFL's Hartford Colonials but still has the NFL on his mind. He recently worked out for St. Louis. If he stays in game shape and things start faltering for Washington, he could be getting a phone call to come back to the big league.

Ahman Green was one of the most feared running backs in the early part of the decade with the Green Bay Packers. But with age, Green declined in production and eventually found himself jobless and looking to the UFL. He has shown some production, averaging over four yards a carry for Omaha. 

They could even look at DeDe Dorsey, who is the league's most explosive player and reigning UFL Championship MVP. He signed a contract with Detroit after 2009 but was cut in the offseason and returned to Las Vegas. 

All in all, things would have to be very dire in Washington if they had to turn to the UFL to help their running game. 

Combination Torain, Trade or Free Agency.

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball during the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins in overtime 30-27. (Photo by L

The most viable option would likely be to split carries between Ryan Torain and pick up a back via trade/free agency. Torain is a power back like Portis except he is not as shifty. It would be more effective offensively if they could partner him with a veteran. 

With all due respect to the new backup, Chad Simpson, there are some experienced veterans available for Washington to pick up. Rather than expend a draft pick/player in trade, the Redskins could look to recent players such as Larry Johnson or Willie Parker. 

Since Portis is only out four to six weeks, if they are unable to pick up a running back outside of the organization, it won't be that detrimental to the team. Torian showed flashes against the Eagles, and Shanahan has shown confidence in the youngster's ability to pick up the slack. Only time will tell what Washington does to help their running game. All that is known is that it must be done without Portis for now.