Redskins backfield heals up

The Washington Redskins received encouraging news about their injured top running backs, learning primary backup Ladell Betts plans to play tonight against the Dallas Cowboys, and starter Clinton Portis expressed optimism about making "progress" with his situation.

Betts was back at practice in a limited role Wednesday for the first time since he sprained his left knee Oct. 12 in a 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Washington's second-leading rusher with 156 yards, Betts continued to test his knee in team drills Thursday at Redskins Park.

Although he sat out practice Friday for precautionary reasons, Betts said he would "give it a go" at FedEx Field in a key matchup of NFC East rivals.

"I pushed it pretty hard (Thursday)," said Betts, who added he does not expect to wear a knee brace. "It held up, it didn't really bother me, so let's just give it a go.

"I didn't want to let my teammates down. It's a big week for us, and I feel good about this, which was the big thing for me. As long as I felt comfortable cutting and planting on it, I think I'm ready to go."

Portis, the NFL's second-leading rusher, has not practiced all week because of a sprained medial collateral ligament, but he would not rule out playing against the Cowboys.

"I've got two days left," he said Friday. "I'll be in the training room working, trying to get there."

With 995 yards rushing, a 5.0-yard average and seven touchdowns, Portis has been the most productive player on offense for Washington (6-3), which is ahead of Dallas (5-4) in the race for an NFC wild-card berth. Coach Jim Zorn said Portis' chances of playing are "50-50," but Portis said his knee has responded well to treatment this past week.

• DOLPHINS -- Quarterback Chad Pennington was added to Miami's injury report because of a sore foot, and he's listed as probable for today's game against Oakland.

The Dolphins didn't elaborate on the injury or say when it happened. Pennington ranks sixth in the NFL in passing and has led surprising Miami to a 5-4 record.

If Pennington can't play, rookie Chad Henne would make his first NFL start. He was taken in the second round of the April draft.

Also, the Dolphins signed linebacker Rob Ninkovich off their practice squad and placed guard Matt McChesney on injured reserve.