Portis to play Saturday - he doesn't seem too happy about it

He needs to get some snaps in, no question about it. I will concur with the notion that the offense must work some live snaps as a whole unit prior to the first game, as we are now in a timing offense where it is critical to feel the repetition in a live game situation.

I don’t want them to find this sync between him and the o-line in week 4 I would rather see 5-8 snaps per in the preseason to get this rhythm down. Also, it is imperative to feel a few hits prior to the start as you don’t want throw him in full blast in week 1 with little to NO contact prior, this will get him hurt.

Everyone else on the team is playing, and he shouldn’t be exempt! We all have our own opinions but at the end of the day I agree with and trust Zorn's decision to get him in the game.

Portis should be playing in the preseason because I personally haven't seen him as a real threat. He hasn't really been that since he left Denver. Of course, don't leave him in there too long to risk him getting injured but at least he can get a feel for the game of football as if it were a real game.

I really don't see the benefit of him getting a few snaps. A RB really doesn't find his groove until he's had a bunch of carries, and that's not going to happen in a preseason game. So I can understand what he's saying. Is there really anything to gain from him playing a couple of series? I honestly don't see it. If he got hurt it would be funny to see how quickly some people would change their tune.

I kind of agree with you, but I still think that there is some benefit.

Still, the problem I have is his constant public complaining about it. He is a football player... one who is paid very well. The NFL has preseason games. Part of his job is to play in those if the coach thinks he needs to. I think that the coaches have much better perspective to make that decision than we do. Especially considering the coaches are ex-players themselves.

So, if he goes in there and fumbles in those few plays don't you think it would be a nice time for him to be reminded that he has a bad habit of sometimes holding the ball to loose in games? I'd rather it be in the preseason than in the first game.

As much as I love Portis, I wish he'd shut the hell up about pre season. Get your butt out there and take a few carries. He needs the contact. 4-5 carries isn't going to hurt him. He's the only guy that complains about it. He acts as if he's above the rest of the starters.

I'm really not sure I see his comments as complaining though.

He's always said he will play if they want him too. To me he's just saying that personally he's not anticipating getting much out of it. He knows the system, he's an established vet, and he doesn't think he's got anything to gain by playing.

And in reality the risk/reward of him playing is really not very favorable.

I don't understand the take of 'he needs the contact'. Really though? What are some bumps and bruises in August going to do for him come September?

Look, I agree he should play a series or two, if only to prove the point he's not above anyone else. I don't think that's a big deal. I just don't see the logic in saying he needs the contact, or that the 4-5 carries he may get is going to benefit him in the long run.

RBs have limited mileage to start with. Every carry takes away from that, including the preseason. That's why teams are typically very careful with their star backs this time of year.

I think w/ a new coach and new o coordinator Portis should play a little bit. Most other NFL teams put their starters in for a couple of series. No big deal.

It is a new system. Remember when Al Saunders took over and we didn't do anything in the preseason. That didn't go well that year. I say put them in there (and other starters) for a little bit and let's go. It's football you can't play scared that someone might get hurt. Of course you've got to be smart about it too.

Is Portis playing also because Cartwright is hurt? What about Betts, is he well enough to play? I like Mason, but I don't think he should be playing almost an entire game if Betts and Cartwright are hurt.
This would be the only reason I'd want to see Portis in a preseason game...if he's filling a void because of injury. If Betts and Cartwright can't go, then Portis should take the 1st 10 snaps. If one of those guys can go, no need to put him out there.

I can see him getting those 10-15 plays in the 3rd and maybe 4th game of the preseason, but not the 1st or 2nd.

I think w/ a new coach and new o coordinator Portis should play a little bit. Most other NFL teams put their starters in for a couple of series. No big deal.

It is a new system. Remember when Al Saunders took over and we didn't do anything in the preseason. That didn't go well that year. I say put them in there (and other starters) for a little bit and let's go. It's football you can't play scared that someone might get hurt. Of course you've got to be smart about it too.

It's not a new system as far as the running game goes though.

I think he should play. He wants to take a leadership role on the team, and the team is playing. I love cp but he's not as valuble as jason campbell, or at this point any starter in our secondary other than maybe doughty. Zorn can't let one guy be publicly bigger than the team. Sends the wrong message.

Ill also say that we don't need this many preseason games. 2 would be sufficient. Hell none would work, as long as everyone gets the same prep time.