Denver Broncos linebacker Robert Ayers (left) talks with head coach Josh McDaniels during training camp. (Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press) |
Denver Sports Insider Josina Anderson's notes from Washington, D.C.:
OT, RYAN HARRIS: Since dislocating two toes on his right foot during a 30-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens two and a half weeks ago, things are beginning to look up for Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Harris.
Sources with knowledge of Harris' injury status confirm that the starting offensive lineman had both feet evaluated for comparison November 9th-the Monday of the Broncos game against the Steelers.
Harris' x-rays were both negative for fractures in his injured toes, and for the surrounding bones on the same right foot. Specifically, tests revealed no fractures on the sesamoid bones, which were an area of focus. Although Harris is still experiencing tenderness, this is good news for the rehabilitation process.
Sources have also indicated Harris will not practice Wednesday.
DE/OLB, ROBERT AYERS: A source just informed me that Broncos defensive end /outside linebacker Robert Ayers will be fined $5,000 dollars for his face mask penalty during the Redskins game.
RB, LADELL BETTS: While the Broncos weren't able to have an individual 100+ rush performance at Fedex Field Sunday, Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts had no problem scampering for 114 yards on the ground. Not only did Betts make quite an impression on the Washington D.C. media, but also on some of the Redskins staff.
But here's the interesting nugget: The Denver Broncos were very interested in Betts three years ago-that according to a source with inside knowledge. Before Betts signed his five-year contract extension in December of 2006, said source revealed former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan was quite enamored with the Betts' running style. However, concerns lingered that "Shanahan would wear Betts down like the way they've done with (Clinton) Portis here."
RB, CLINTON PORTIS: Speaking of Portis, there are some on the Redskins staff that feel Betts should start instead of running back Clinton Portis.
Why?
Not just because of Betts' performance against the Broncos, but because of an overall perception about Portis' attitude about practice.
According to a well-placed source on the Redskins staff Portis isn't as passionate about football in his eyes.
"First of all, he didn't properly prepare for this season, and he doesn't like working out," said the source.
Because of this source's perception of Portis' mental malaise about weekly practice, the source expressed not just surprise, but what also sounded to me like suspicious surprise at Portis' weight fluctuation earlier this season during one particular week.
"I can't remember if it was week two or week three at the beginning of the regular season sometime, but on a Monday Portis came in at about 221 or 222 pounds, and by the end of the week was like 216 or 217 without barely practicing."
When I asked this source if they think Portis is doing something he should not be doing to drop weight the source replied, "all I remember thinking is how is (Portis) doing that?"
Whatever Portis' weight was exactly, it's still interesting that this source harbors those thoughts about the team's starting running back.
The source then changed the subject, but still underlined a feeling of frustration.
"Don't get me wrong I like Portis. He and Betts are two different backs. Betts is faster; Portis is stronger. It's just that Portis is always injured, and sometimes yes injured with quotation marks on it. I absolutely believe Betts should get a shot over Portis, but you know how it goes around hereĀ "
So how did my source that gave me information about Betts in the previous segment react to hearing all the praise Betts is receiving now within the Redskins' ranks?
"Now it's interesting to see how (Betts) all of a sudden is hot with the Skins now, after being told (he) had lost a step."
By the way, I was also told today that Portis was scheduled to be evaluated by doctors again after team meetings Wednesday morning. Portis did not play against his former team Sunday. He suffered a concussion in the Falcons game.
Visit Josina Anderson's Denver Sports Insider Blog
OT, RYAN HARRIS: Since dislocating two toes on his right foot during a 30-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens two and a half weeks ago, things are beginning to look up for Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Harris.
Sources with knowledge of Harris' injury status confirm that the starting offensive lineman had both feet evaluated for comparison November 9th-the Monday of the Broncos game against the Steelers.
Harris' x-rays were both negative for fractures in his injured toes, and for the surrounding bones on the same right foot. Specifically, tests revealed no fractures on the sesamoid bones, which were an area of focus. Although Harris is still experiencing tenderness, this is good news for the rehabilitation process.
Sources have also indicated Harris will not practice Wednesday.
DE/OLB, ROBERT AYERS: A source just informed me that Broncos defensive end /outside linebacker Robert Ayers will be fined $5,000 dollars for his face mask penalty during the Redskins game.
RB, LADELL BETTS: While the Broncos weren't able to have an individual 100+ rush performance at Fedex Field Sunday, Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts had no problem scampering for 114 yards on the ground. Not only did Betts make quite an impression on the Washington D.C. media, but also on some of the Redskins staff.
But here's the interesting nugget: The Denver Broncos were very interested in Betts three years ago-that according to a source with inside knowledge. Before Betts signed his five-year contract extension in December of 2006, said source revealed former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan was quite enamored with the Betts' running style. However, concerns lingered that "Shanahan would wear Betts down like the way they've done with (Clinton) Portis here."
RB, CLINTON PORTIS: Speaking of Portis, there are some on the Redskins staff that feel Betts should start instead of running back Clinton Portis.
Why?
Not just because of Betts' performance against the Broncos, but because of an overall perception about Portis' attitude about practice.
According to a well-placed source on the Redskins staff Portis isn't as passionate about football in his eyes.
"First of all, he didn't properly prepare for this season, and he doesn't like working out," said the source.
Because of this source's perception of Portis' mental malaise about weekly practice, the source expressed not just surprise, but what also sounded to me like suspicious surprise at Portis' weight fluctuation earlier this season during one particular week.
"I can't remember if it was week two or week three at the beginning of the regular season sometime, but on a Monday Portis came in at about 221 or 222 pounds, and by the end of the week was like 216 or 217 without barely practicing."
When I asked this source if they think Portis is doing something he should not be doing to drop weight the source replied, "all I remember thinking is how is (Portis) doing that?"
Whatever Portis' weight was exactly, it's still interesting that this source harbors those thoughts about the team's starting running back.
The source then changed the subject, but still underlined a feeling of frustration.
"Don't get me wrong I like Portis. He and Betts are two different backs. Betts is faster; Portis is stronger. It's just that Portis is always injured, and sometimes yes injured with quotation marks on it. I absolutely believe Betts should get a shot over Portis, but you know how it goes around hereĀ "
So how did my source that gave me information about Betts in the previous segment react to hearing all the praise Betts is receiving now within the Redskins' ranks?
"Now it's interesting to see how (Betts) all of a sudden is hot with the Skins now, after being told (he) had lost a step."
By the way, I was also told today that Portis was scheduled to be evaluated by doctors again after team meetings Wednesday morning. Portis did not play against his former team Sunday. He suffered a concussion in the Falcons game.
Visit Josina Anderson's Denver Sports Insider Blog
