In a week full of distractions for the Washington Redskins, here's another one: Running back Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Sellers had a bit of a spat.
Redskins coach Jim Zorn confirmed the dispute Friday, but he downplayed it and said he didn't know the cause. But league and team sources told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that Portis was upset about Sellers' blocking during last weekend's victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to the sources, Portis called Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith in the FedEx Field coaching box Sunday and asked to have tight end Todd Yoder as his lead blocker. Sellers, who made the Pro Bowl last season, has opened holes for Portis since the running back came to Washington in 2004.
Sellers found out about Portis' actions Monday and sought him out. According to the sources, Sellers seemed intent on getting at Portis but was restrained by teammates in the locker room.
"These guys love each other. This is just how a team goes," Zorn said Friday. "I thought it was great. There was no fisticuffs, there was no shoving or pushing. ... In reality, it's just a lot of nudging and posturing."
This wasn't the first time that Portis criticized Sellers' blocking. Last week on a weekly radio appearance, Portis cited a missed assignment by Sellers as contributing to the Redskins' failure to score on an early fourth-and-goal play during a loss to the Detroit Lions.
Asked about Sellers' run blocking, Zorn said Friday: "Well, he's missed a couple of blocks. I think he's been great as a run blocker, though."
Neither Portis nor Sellers was made available to speak to reporters after practice at the end of a week that has been full of off-kilter news for the Redskins. On Tuesday, the front office hired a consultant, Sherman Lewis, to help the struggling offense. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Greg Blache began an unexplained media boycott.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
