some bad news for skins fans today --
1. Running back Ryan Torain said he was able to run full speed in practice Monday, though coach Mike Shanahan said it was too early to tell how Torain or fellow injured running back Clinton Portis (groin) was doing. Torain tweaked his hamstring in the Oct. 31 loss to Detroit, but said he felt great out there in practice Monday.
I was out there running plays, he said.
If Torain or Portis cant play, the Redskins likely would promote running back James Davis off the practice squad. Davis turned down a chance to sign with Carolina to remain in Washington.
2. Safety Chris Horton was placed on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Oct. 31 loss to Detroit. Horton, the fourth safety, injured his ankle on special teams. High ankle sprains are tricky and often take six to eight weeks of recovery time.
The Redskins promoted rookie Anderson Russell off the practice squad to take Hortons place. Russell, an undrafted free agent, has been on the practice squad all season.
Washington also signed receiver Taurus Johnson and safety Shareff Rashad to the practice squad.
3. Coach Mike Shanahan said the surgery performed on KR/PR Brandon Banks (knee) usually requires two to three weeks of recovery time, which would put his status for the Tennessee game in doubt. Banks underwent surgery during the bye week.
Phillip Buchanon will replace him on punt returns; Chad Simpson and Byron Westbrook will replace him on kickoff returns.
Do we need to say that losing Banks will hurt the return game? Didnt think so. But it will.