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The Washington Redskins have been watching and waiting, hoping that running back Clinton Portis would be recovered enough from a two-week-old sprained knee to play in Sunday night’s important NFC East battle with the Dallas Cowboys. But it isn’t looking good. Clinton’s been listed as questionable all week and head coach Jim Zorn is no longer optimistic. Ladell Betts would take Clinton’s place in the starting lineup, but he’s coming off his own sprained knee and after a three week layoff, it’s hard to say how effective he’ll be. That opens the door for Shaun Alexander, who finally feels ready to play a more important role in the Redskins offense:

“I’m pretty comfortable in this offense. I was always comfortable with the passing game, but the run game was just a little bit different. I had to get used to certain angles and where they want to attack (defenses).”

Shaun only has 10 carries for 23 yards in three games for the Skins this season, but his limited playing time has been due to that lack of familiarity with the offense. Coach Zorn has noticed improvement each week, though, so we might get to see what Shaun has left in his proverbial tank soon.

Source: Redskins.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Shaun Alexander Ready for More Reps

Former National Football League MVP and three-time Pro Bowler Shaun Alexander signed a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins today. Shaun will backup starter Clinton Portis, a role that had been filled by RB Ladell Betts until he sprained his knee this past weekend in a loss to the St. Louis Rams. Redskins head coach Jim Zorn used to work with Shaun in Seattle, so he knows firsthand what type of player he’s getting:

“As soon as (Shaun) got to Redskins Park, we got him in shorts and took him out and worked him out. He looks fit. He has a lot of want-to in his attitude.”

Shaun had been waiting for a running back injury to open a door for his employment. He comes to Washington with an impressive resume. In eight NFL seasons, all with the Seahawks, Shaun has compiled 9,429 yards, a 4.3 yards-per-carry average, and 100 touchdowns. He has also caught 214 passes for 1,511 yards and 12 touchdowns. His career rushing total ranks him 25th in NFL history. Shaun’s played in coach Zorn’s version of the West Coast offense in Seattle, so he should be able to pick up the scheme and contribute quickly.

Source: Redskins.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander