Betts Plays 'Waiting Game' With Injury

Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts "dodged a bullet" with his knee injury Sunday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The injury, which initially looked as if it could be serious, was a strained lateral collateral ligament and strained hamstring, with some swelling in his calf.

Betts said he didn't have a good handle on just how long he will be out.

"It's a waiting game," Betts said. "It's a matter of how fast I heal up, really. . . . [The amount of time necessary] could vary from person to person and how severe it is. It could be a week, two weeks, three weeks, who knows. But I don't anticipate being out too long."

Betts has 38 carries for 156 yards in the first six games of the season, backing up Clinton Portis, who is the NFL's leading rusher with 643 yards. Betts was asked if he was surprised that an established running back such as Shaun Alexander was being auditioned for what is likely a role as a temporary replacement.

"No, it's the nature of the business, especially when somebody goes down," he said. "I think as far as my role is, I had a pretty important role. Some people might not realize it, but you know, Clinton can't carry the ball 30, 40 times a game. They got to have somebody step in. I don't know what they're going to do with Rock [Cartwright], or what the situation is. So I don't really know. But it doesn't surprise me."

-- Barry Svrluga and Jason La Canfora