Washington loses more than a game

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Carson Palmer stood on the sideline watching newcomer Anthony Wright make a lackluster debut.

CINCINNATI (AP) — One series into its first preseason game, the Washington Redskins' revamped offense took a significant jolt.

Running back Clinton Portis partially dislocated his left shoulder Sunday night during a 19-3 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, giving the Redskins a major concern for the regular season.

Portis ran for a club-record 1,516 yards last season, when Washington made the playoffs as a wild card team, and was counted on to steady an offense retooled by assistant coach Al Saunders in the off-season.

Instead, Washington is wondering how long it will be without its best running back.

Tackled Ratliff

Portis opened the game with an 8-yard carry, then blocked for Mark Brunell's passes. He helped tackle cornerback Keiwan Ratliff on an interception return that ended Washington's first possession, then left the game to get his shoulder examined.

An MRI test detected the injury, which involves the bone popping out of place temporarily in the shoulder socket. Standard treatment involves rest and strengthening exercises. There was no immediate indication how long he will be sidelined.

Without Portis, the running game will depend upon backup Ladell Betts, who ran for 338 yards last season and missed four games because of a knee injury.

For Cincinnati, the opener was a chance to gauge what the offense will look like if Carson Palmer isn't ready to start the season. Palmer stood on the sideline in a white Bengals T-shirt and gray sweat pants, watching newcomer Anthony Wright make a lackluster debut.

The Bengals failed to get a first down on their first three series behind Wright, a free-agent quarterback signed less than four months ago. He was sacked twice and looked indecisive in those three drives.

He finally got going with the help of a flea-flicker — a trick play seldom used in preseason — that surprised the Redskins. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was unguarded downfield for a 52-yard catch, setting up Wright's 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Henry.

Wright was 9-of-16 in the first half for 101 yards, more than half of them on the one trick play. Doug Johnson went 11-of-14 for 128 yards with a touchdown and three sacks in the second half, when both teams played their backups.

Monday, August 14, 2006