Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis does not expect to return to the team's starting lineup until Week 2 after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason. He has basically ruled himself out completely for this week's game against the Minnesota Vikings, meaning backup Ladell Betts would get the start. If he does not return in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, he believe he'll definitely be back Week 3 against the Houston Texans.

"The way things look, bro, you'll probably be seeing 2-6 against Dallas," Portis said. "But who knows? If not, I should be ready for Houston. They want me to be 100 percent.

Portis was originally projected to return by the third or fourth game, but the injury is not as serious as the team first thought. He has not had full contact with his shoulder in practice since injuring it.

"I'm actually ahead of schedule," he said.

Portis has run very well for the Redskins the past two seasons since coming over from the Denver Broncos, and was a major part of their playoff berth last season.