Portis Sits Out Most of Broncos’ Practice

Denver running back Clinton Portis remained questionable for the Broncos’ game Sunday night at Indianapolis after sitting out most of the team’s practice Friday.

Portis, who injured his right leg last week in the closing seconds of Denver’s 23-20 victory over Cleveland, ran gingerly and caught a few passes during warmups but did not take part in the remainder of the 75-minute workout.

Portis, the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 1,591 yards, has a high ankle sprain and a sprained knee. Portis said the ankle is the more severely injured.

The Broncos, who normally practice on grass, worked out on their synthetic turf practice field in preparation for the game at Indianapolis.

“We didn’t want him to cut on the turf,” Coach Mike Shanahan said. “We just wanted him to catch a few passes, jog a little bit and not overdo it. Any time you’ve got 48 hours or a little bit more, you want to take it gradual with those sprained ankles.

“He’s still a little bit sore. If he makes strides over the next couple of days, he’s got a chance. We’ll just kind of wait and see.”

*

Ricky Williams expects no problems from his injured shoulder when the Miami Dolphins play at Buffalo on Sunday.

Williams is listed as probable after hurting his shoulder on a 45-yard run in the Dolphins’ 34-27 loss to Philadelphia on Monday night.

The running back practiced all week and said he might use medication to help ease the pain.

“It’s a little sore, but it’s been sore most of the season,” Williams said. “I’ve had a sore shoulder for the last three years, so it’s nothing new.”

Williams has 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns in 343 carries.

Williams will not have his starting fullback blocking for him, because Rob Konrad will sit out the game after suffering a concussion against the Eagles.

Konrad will be replaced by Obafemi Ayanbadejo.

*

St. Louis Ram end Grant Wistrom has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for a late hit on Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

The hit came in the final seconds of the Rams’ 27-22 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday at St. Louis. Hasselbeck had thrown a pass on which receiver Bobby Engram tripped over back judge Greg Steed.

Wistrom said he will appeal.

*

Oakland left guard Frank Middleton was put on injured reserve because of a quadriceps tear, becoming the 12th Raider lost for the season.

Middleton, who has started 35 games in three seasons with Oakland, was originally injured against Cleveland on Oct. 12. He did not play for six weeks, then returned to start against Pittsburgh on Dec. 7, when he re-aggravated the injury.

Middleton started in Oakland’s win over Baltimore last week but decided to sit out the last two games after consulting with his agent and a physician Wednesday.

*

Cleveland cornerback Anthony Henry will sit out the remaining two games after having arthroscopic knee surgery. He is the 13th Brown with a season-ending injury.

*

Jacksonville put cornerback Jason Craft on injured reserve because of a sprained knee.