Despite light workload, Redskins' Portis says he's still team's top running back

ASHBURN, Va. - Surely it was time for Clinton Portis to lodge a complaint. After all, the Washington Redskins running back logged only one carry in the second half of last week's game, and he's got a history of lashing out when he thinks he's getting a raw deal.

Not this time.

"After those games, nothing changed," Portis said yesterday. "And I'm sure nothing's going to change after this game, so there's no need."

Nevertheless, Portis said he doesn't have an answer for his light workload in the Redskins' loss to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Ryan Torain, who was promoted from the practice squad only a day earlier, ended up with the same number of carries as Portis (seven) in the 30-16 defeat.

"I come to work, I clock in like you do," Portis said. "I'm motivated to do my job. It's up to them. If that put me on an assignment, I do that assignment. If they don't, there's nothing I can do . . . I consider myself the feature back, one of the best backs, and I'm going to always feel that way."

Portis said he hasn't discussed his role with Shanahan.

"Ain't nothing to talk to him about. He made the decision. The decision was made," Portis said. "It's over and done with. When we jog out on the field against the Eagles, I'll be in the backfield."