NFL | Shaun Alexander joins ex-Hawk contingent

ASHBURN, Va. — Two of this decade's premier running backs walked onto a practice field Wednesday as Redskins teammates.

"You'd never think Clinton Portis and Shaun Alexander are going to be in the same backfield," Portis said, "but [stuff] happens."

Alexander, the league's MVP in 2005 with the Seahawks, is back in the NFL with a one-year deal to replace Portis' backup, Ladell Betts, who is out two to four weeks with a knee injury. Alexander is one of three new Redskins signed Tuesday — all cut by Seattle this year, all reunited with former Seahawks assistant and new Washington coach Jim Zorn.

"We're all pretty mad at Seattle, all looking forward to Nov. 23," said punter Ryan Plackemeier, already pumped for the Redskins' trip to the Pacific Northwest next month.

Plackemeier replaces rookie disappointment Durant Brooks. The other former Seahawks player is veteran safety Mike Green.

Alexander's 9,429 yards rank fifth among active backs, while Portis' 8,229 rank eighth.

"It's really an honor," said Portis, who leads the NFL this year with 643 yards. "You get a league MVP, a guy who's had success and touchdown records and everything else. I want to know how you get 28 touchdowns [in a season], so who better to ask than Shaun? He did it."

Zorn left no doubt that Portis will continue to be the featured back, with Alexander and Rock Cartwright subbing when needed. Alexander said he'll have no problem playing second banana.

"I always knew I was going to play," said Alexander, 31. "I just had to wait my time. ... I finally got to heal all the way up."

Said Zorn: "He's got things to prove. I don't think he doubts what he can do. ... It's one of those pre-owned Mercedes. I think it's got some mileage to go on it. He looks fit."

Notes

• Tony Romo is not ready to give up on playing Sunday at St. Louis. The Dallas Morning News reported the Cowboys quarterback wants to practice this week despite breaking his right pinkie in last week's loss at Arizona, with his eye on starting his 33rd consecutive game.

• San Francisco signed fullback David Kirtman from Mercer Island to replace injured Zak Keasey. Kirtman was on the Chargers' practice squad for the past six games after the Seahawks released him.

• Rams receiver Dane Looker, a former Husky, returned to practice after being diagnosed with an abnormal artery on the right side of his brain.

• Twice-suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones won't have his probation revoked in Georgia after an alcohol-related scuffle with his bodyguard in Dallas.

• Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, hospitalized last week with an undisclosed illness, remains at home under doctors' orders.