What we know so far…

Starting halfback Clinton Portis will still be out for this Sunday’s game.  Jim Zorn told reporters that Portis is still having “blurriness” in his vision,  and that has caused him to be not able to participate fully in practice.  That means Ladell Betts will likely get the call to start the game.  Betts had an impressive game in last Sunday’s win over the Broncos.  Betts should be a good fill in and help be a sure spot in the ground attack.  Rock Cartwright will add a positive spell in relief of Betts and Quinten Ganther should be able to provide extra relief off of the bench.  Ganther was a bright spot in pass protection and should be getting lots of action due to Dallas’ excellent ability to get to the Quarterback.

The offensive line should remain as it did last week.  From left to right it will feature Levi Jones, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach,  Chad Rinehart, and Stephan Heyer.  This group performed reasonably well last week, and allowed only three sacks.  Mind you, those sacks came in the second half.  Expect Mike Williams to come in relief, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he lines up as a TE or FB.  It has also been noted that Mike Sellers has been often found in the TE spot and Tood Yoder down in the three point stance as a Full Back.  It will be interesting to see how that plays out this weekend.

Albert Haynesworth injured an ankle last week, and is said to be a game time decision.  Based on recent event, I think he should play.  He has been a integral part in Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter having steller seasons, both racking up plenty of sacks.  Should Hayneswoth be out of the line up, it will be interesting to see how these two are able to perform with out Haynesworth in the line up.  We know Dallas QB Tony Romo is prone to making mistakes when pressure is consistently applied.  So should the Skins have a chance, they must get at him.

Tony Romo will be looking to go to the air as well.  The Redskins pass defense has been good so far this year, however the play of Carlos Rogers gave Denver a big early lead last Sunday.  Rogers was benched early and did not play the rest of the game, as he only took four snaps on defense.  Roger practiced with the first team unit, but no decision has been on who will start.  Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, and Roy E. Williams are sure to employ a double move on opposing DB’s and Rogers has been a vicitim of those all year long.  To Rogers’ credit, he performed well against Terrell Owens last year in the second half of the first game, in reflief of an injured Shawn Springs.  Another gallant effort will be needed if the Skins will have a shot at taking down Dallas.