Portis’ goal now 2nd game
Redskins running back Clinton Portis is targeting Washington’s second game for his return from a shoulder injury.
He essentially ruled himself out for the Monday night opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Though he wore a helmet and his No. 26 jersey during the entire practice Friday for the first time since partially dislocating his left shoulder four weeks ago, Portis said he is focusing on coming back against Dallas or Houston, Washington’s third game.
In a bit of a surprise, Portis said he was initially told he wouldn’t return until the third or fourth game of the regular season, making the injury considerably more serious than originally portrayed by the Redskins.
Smith still out
Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver Steve Smith missed his third straight day of practice with a sore right hamstring, and it’s questionable if he’ll play in the season opener against Atlanta.
If Smith, who is listed as questionable, can’t play, Keary Colbert or Drew Carter would start at receiver opposite Keyshawn Johnson on Sunday.
Stadium plans secret
The Dallas Cowboys, citing security and business concerns, have not released drawings of their publicly funded $650 million stadium that’s under construction.
The plans should remain confidential under the Texas Homeland Security Act because releasing them would disclose the stadium’s vulnerability to terrorist attacks, according to the team’s lawyers.
Vanderjagt probably out
Mike Vanderjagt probably won’t kick in the regular-season opener for the Dallas Cowboys, though coach Bill Parcells reserves the right to change his mind.
Parcells said Shaun Suisham would likely kick Sunday against Jacksonville instead of Vanderjagt. The NFL’s most accurate field-goal kicker has been hampered by a groin injury throughout training camp.
Steelers sign Davenport
Former Green Bay Packers running back Najeh Davenport signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Davenport, who has rushed for 1,068 yards in 39 NFL games, missed most of last season after breaking an ankle Oct. 9 against New Orleans. The 6-foot-1, 247-pounder was released last weekend by Green Bay.
To make room for Davenport on their 53-man roster, the Steelers released rookie running back Patrick Cobbs.
Williams apologizes
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams, arrested last weekend on drunken-driving charges, apologized for his actions.
According to league rules, the Jaguars have no authority to fine or suspend Williams for matters involving criminal conduct or substance abuse, meaning Williams will play Sunday’s season opener against Dallas.
Williams was arrested early Sept. 2 after his 2006 black Bentley swerved toward a police car and caused the officer to hit a curb, according to a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office report.
He was unavailable for comment to the media but apologized in a statement released by the team.