Ryan Torain on track to start Monday night for Redskins

The Redskins' running back situation became somewhat clearer Saturday as Ryan Torain appeared on track to start Monday night's game against the Eagles. It seems doubtful that Clinton Portis will return to the lineup this week.

Torain, slowed because of a hamstring injury, practiced again Saturday and has not suffered any setbacks recently after sitting out the second half of the 37-25 loss to Detroit in Week 8. Coach Mike Shanahan expects the second-year back to be available when the Redskins host the Eagles at FedEx Field.

"Last two, three days, he's been feeling much better," Shanahan said of Torain.

Shanahan, however, did not seem as encouraged about Portis.

Although Shanahan said that the nine-year veteran, sidelined since suffering a severe groin tear in Week 4 against Philadelphia, "got a little bit more practice in today, I'm just hesitant to put him in too quick. I don't want to set him back. I'll get a better feel [for the situation] after tomorrow." Shanahan said Portis would be a game-time decision.

Portis, who hopes to return against Philadelphia, has experienced swelling and soreness in his groin area while practicing this week. The swelling has decreased, Shanahan said, but the Redskins will not "take a chance if we don't think it's in the best interests of him and the best interests in the team. That's why we're evaluating it."

The two-time Pro Bowler "took a number of reps today," Shanahan said. "You see how he feels tomorrow. He's a veteran player. He's very competitive. You've gotta do what's right for him as well as the football team. And you want to make sure that if he does play, that it doesn't set him back the rest of the season."

After Portis's injury was diagnosed, Shanahan said the team expected Portis to be sidelined four to six weeks. As of Sunday, Portis will have been sidelined six weeks. If Portis does not play against the Eagles, he likely would play Nov. 21 against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. "I believe so," Shanahan said.