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Injuries have been the center of Redskins universe this week for better or worse. The backfield will be without Clinton Portis and his separated groin for four to six weeks, leaving a ready and able Ryan Torain as the starting running back. Rookie offensive lineman Trent Williams returned to practice this week, and although he’s been limited, coach Mike Shanahan is optimistic that he’ll play. Finally, Hunter Smith has been brought back to punt in place of the injured Josh Bidwell, which can only mean one thing — it’s time for the swinging gate! Although not confirmed yet, the defense could be without Albert Haynesworth this weekend, as his brother was reportedly killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday. Haynesworth’s absence would create a hole in the defense on passing downs, leaving Aaron Rodgers and the visiting Green Bay Packers to salivate at the opportunities before them.

Normally, a depth chart comprising two running backs with a total of 70 career carries (40 for Torain and 30 for Chad Simpson) should induce mild-to-severe panic attacks. But maybe it’s just the Larry Johnson-goggles, but Torain has already shown that he can be a feature back in the NFL and shoulder the majority of the workload. He’s averaging a tidy 4.6 yards-per-carry for the season, and provided a highlight-reel-worthy destruction of the Eagles’ Quentin Mikell during his touchdown run last week. The Packers defense comes in to Sunday’s game ranked 31st in the league in yards-allowed-per-carry, so the Redskins will have ample opportunity to move the ball on the ground, and maybe even set up a couple of Donovan McNabb’s patented inaccurate shots down the field. Winning the time of possession battle will be critical on Sunday, as the Redskins need to do whatever they can to keep the ball away from Green Bay’s offense.