Redskins call it a season for Portis

But Portis didn't necessarily express the same optimism. In the radio interview, Portis did say he would like to return to the Redskins next season, though that decision won't ultimately be his to make. The Redskins take their 3-9 record to Oakland this weekend with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Zorn and others on the coaching staff, in the front office and across the roster.

"Do I think there's going to be change? I do. If I'm part of that change, will I be sad and devastated? I won't," Portis said. "I think I'm appreciative of everything Mr. Snyder and the Washington Redskins done for me and the opportunities they gave me.

"I'm 28, man. I'm not gonna be devastated, 'Oh, man, football is over.' I enjoyed it. I had fun doing it. I gave everything I had doing it. I did it to the best of my ability. When I look back, the day that I sit down and look back on my career, I think I will enjoy the highlights. If I get to continue and I'm not in D.C. and I got to go to somebody else, I will give it my all there as well."

Portis is one of only six Redskins believed to have guaranteed contracts for next season. He last renegotiated his deal in March 2008, receiving a signing bonus of almost $9.4 million. Under the terms of that deal, in addition to the signing bonus, Portis will have been paid more than $2.35 million in salaries and bonuses by the end of this season. Most of Portis's 2010 base salary of almost $7.2 million is guaranteed, and he is also due roster and workout bonuses totaling about $507,000.

Many in the league believe 2010 will be an uncapped year, but the current system and its rules still are in place. If the Redskins were to release Portis before June 1, 2010, they could face a cap hit of as much as $14.8 million, according to league sources familiar with Portis's contract and the Redskins' cap situation.

The Redskins also have "offset" language on the guaranteed portion of his contract. If Washington released Portis and he joined another team next season, the Redskins would receive a credit against his guarantee for any additional salary.

Portis finishes the season with 494 rushing yards, just one touchdown and only one game of 100 or more yards. This marks only the second time in his career he's gone on IR; a hand injury ended his season on Nov. 11, 2006. He is the 10th player the team has placed on injured reserve this season and the eighth on offense.

"The best thing for him right now is to make sure his vision is back clearly," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "With where we're at in the season, it just didn't make sense to risk it with his health. What they're doing makes sense for Clinton's health."