Clinton Portis, Santana Moss Miss Practice…

Redskins star running back Clinton Portis continues to be excused from practice for personal reasons. He missed yesterday, along with WR Santana Moss, who is suffering from some minor ailments and illness.

Moss has been injury prone since his unbelievable 2005 campaign. We’re interested to see what both of these guys can do in new head coach Jim Zorn’s offense.

Clinton Portis Excused For Personal Matters…

According to KFFL, Redskins RB Clinton Portis has been an unbelievably hard worker this off-season, and has been a fixture at the team’s training facility. He has not only focused on working out, but also on his diet.

Believe it or not, this is all great news for his fantasy owners, as he’ll need to be in good shape to handle the huge workload new head coach Jim Zorn plans on giving him this season. Other than a little hip tweak he suffered while running a friendly forty yard dash against teammate Laron Landry, Portis has had a flawless off-season.

He was apparently just excused by Zorn last week due to personal reasons. We’re not sure what that’s all about, but we’ll keep you updated.

Clinton Portis Having Hip Trouble…

Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis was at the Redskins training facility on Thursday receiving treatment on his hip, which has given him trouble since May when he reportedly tweaked it after racing SS Laron Landry in a friendly forty yard dash.

Portis has sat in on team meetings, but hasn’t practiced this week. This isn’t anything for his owners to worry about, as he’s clearly resting up for the season. There’s no need to risk any further injury at this point, and taking it easy in the off-season is good for him, since he’ll likely see the rock more times in 2008 under new head coach Jim Zorn than he ever has.

Redskins Acquire Erasmus James…

In a curious move, the Washington Redskins traded for chronically injured Vikings DE Erasmus James. The former 18th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft was waived by the Vikes late last week, but when the ‘Skins showed interest, the move was rescinded. Minnesota receives a conditional seventh round pick in 2009.

Wow. Don’t expect much from James in 2008.

‘Skins Thomas Could Start As A Rookie

We’ve jocked Devin Thomas for a long time, and based on recent news from our sources, we’ll be jocking him even more leading up to the 2008 NFL season. Our sources close to the former Michigan State Spartan tell us that Redskins coach Jim Zorn absolutely loves what he brings to the offense, and plans to use him in a variety of ways in 2008. Read more

Antwaan Randle El Injury Update…

Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El underwent arthroscopic knee surgery early in May, and is expected to begin running within the next couple weeks. He should be ready by training camp, but the ‘Skins have no reason to rush him back after acquiring Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly in the NFL Draft.

Thomas puts a huge damper on Randle El’s fantasy potential.

Clinton Portis Injured Again…

Well, the idea that Clinton Portis could have a completely productive, healthy off-season didn’t last long at all. After racing SS Laron Landry the other day in practice, Portis came up with a bit of a hip flexor injury, and has been sitting out OTAs ever since.

This shouldn’t be a huge deal when it comes to Portis’ 2008 fantasy value, but it’s definitely a sign that his body is more worn down than it ever used to be. He’s an “old 26″ due to the amount of carries he’s had since entering the NFL (and playing for Washington). We still like him as a solid late first rounder, but many owners will pass on him again in 2008.

Jason Campbell, who’s fantasy value isn’t really high at this point, suffered a tweaked hammy in practice today. Jim Zorn isn’t concerned about it, and neither are we, since we don’t recommend owners touching Campbell in seasonal leagues anyway.

Antwaan Randle El Has Knee Surgery…

Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday, but should be ready for Organized Team Activities in a few weeks. Head Coach Jim Zorn was not concerned at all about the procedure.

Could this explain why the ‘Skins took Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft?

Shaun To Visit Bengals, But Won’t Sign…

We’re hearing that even though 31 year old former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander plans to visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, the team doesn’t necessarily plan on signing him to a deal. Also, Alexander isn’t thrilled with the fact that Cincy has four RBs on their roster already, and doesn’t plan to release any of them.

We still believe that he will not end up in Cincy, but rather in a city that actually has roster space for him. In addition to Detroit, we’re now hearing that the Washington Redskins are interested in his services as a back-up to Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts.

‘Skins Take Malcolm Kelly In Round 2…

After passing on the opportunity to add a WR in round one, the Redskins took Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas in round two.

Kelly, 6′4″, will have a solid opportunity to succeed in Jim Zorn’s offense. As dynasty options go, we think he’s very solid, but probably won’t make an impact in 2008.

The ‘Skins also took USC TE Fred Davis in round two, so obviously offense was a priority on day one for Jim Zorn. Thomas is the best fantasy option of the ‘Skins three day one picks.

‘Skins Making A Move For Jason Taylor…

The Redskins have been in negotiations with the Dolphins to acquire Pro Bowl DE Jason Taylor. Washington won’t give up the 21st overall pick, but would like to get something done on draft day. We expect Miami to try and work a deal to move back into the first round, so if the ‘Skins are willing to pay enough to Miami to help them accomplish that, then something will for sure happen.

Redskins To Draft Phillip Merling?

Based on the fact that basically the entire Redskins organization attended a private workout for Clemson DE Phillip Merling, we can assume he’s a front runner for the 21st overall pick. The ‘Skins desperately need pass rushing help, and could easily target solid WRs in the second, third and fourth rounds.

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