If Larry Johnson has any immediate future in the NFL, it could be in the NFC East.
Both Philadelphia and Washington have issues at running back. The Eagles’ Brian Westbrook has missed two straight games because of a concussion and an ankle injury, while Washington’s Clinton Portis left Sunday’s game at Atlanta because of a concussion.
Washington coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Portis is doubtful for this week’s game against Denver and the team has had internal discussions about Johnson.
“I talked to Clinton Portis (on Monday morning), and he has a headache,” Zorn said. “We have to be very cautious with a concussion.”
The Eagles have taken a cautious approach with Westbrook as well. Rookie LeSean McCoy, starting in place of Westbrook, had 54 yards in 13 carries in Sunday night’s loss to Dallas. He leads the Eagles in rushing with 348 yards in 83 attempts, a 4.2-yard average.
Philadelphia has been known to take on players with checkered pasts. The Eagles acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens, who helped the Eagles to a Super Bowl in 2004 before wearing out his welcome; and they signed quarterback Michael Vick this season after he missed two full seasons while incarcerated on dog-fighting convictions.
Other possibilities could be Houston, where coach Gary Kubiak said Monday he would “check out” Johnson; and New England, which has been another haven for troubled players such as Corey Dillon and Randy Moss. Laurence Maroney is the Patriots’ featured back, but behind him the bench is thin because veterans Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are injured.
Philadelphia, 5-3, is a game out of first place in the NFC East and ranks 16th in the league in offense and 17th in rushing.
Washington, 2-6, isn’t going anywhere this season, but Zorn is desperate to keep his job. Former Blue Springs star Ladell Betts and former Kansas State running back Rock Cartwright combined for 86 yards rushing in Sunday’s loss at Atlanta after Portis left the game.
“When Clinton got knocked out, Ladell just rose up,” Zorn said. “He took advantage of the opportunity, and I was excited for him. Rock Cartwright helped us out in the running game as well.”
Betts, who is primarily a nickel back, finished with 15 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown, his best performance since he replaced an injured Portis in the starting lineup in 2006.
“I just try to run the way I’ve always run,” Betts said. “Dating back to high school, peewee leagues, college, the more runs I get the easier it is for me to get into a rhythm, and that’s what was able to happen today.”
To reach Randy Covitz, NFL reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4796 or send e-mail to rcovitz@kcstar.com
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