Clinton Portis Has No Idea Why He Was Benched Against Ravens

Six weeks ago, the Redskins were 6-2. Now they're 7-6 and face very long odds to back into a wild-card spot. Mounting injuries, a porous offensive line, few big-play threats, and a struggling quarterback all compound the problem. Also probably not helping: benching Clinton Portis.

Easily the team's best, most consistent player, Portis has been battling nicks, bruises and general malaise for most of the season, and last night, he found himself on the sidelines watching the Redskins lose. Again.

Portis, however, intimated he was benched by head coach and play-caller Jim Zorn in favor of backup Ladell Betts. Because Portis didn't practice this week, Zorn said, the Redskins weren't not going to lean as heavily on him on third downs and in pass protection.
"There ain't nothing wrong with me," Portis said.

And that's apparently what happened, although it was news to Portis.