NFL Notebook, June 1: Portis Still Atop Redskins' Muddled RB Race

Here's what's happening around the National Football League on Tuesday, June 1, 2010:

• Washington will eventually have to make some decisions at the running back position -- especially if free agent Brian Westbrook is added to a cavalry of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Ryan Torain, Willie Parker and Keiland Williams.

But for now, it appears that Portis, the incumbent starter, has the inside track on Washington's No. 1 RB spot. Matt Terl of the Redskins' team blog tweeted from Tuesday's OTA that Johnson received first-team reps early, but Portis took over those snaps for the majority of practice -- "For whatever that's worth," Terl wrote, and it's probably safe to hedge on the situation for now, at least until Westbrook makes up his mind.

Either way, the Redskins will face the probability of needing to trim down one or two backs.

• The NFL Network's "NFL RedZone" enjoyed an extremely popular debut season in 2009. The program, which aired on Sundays throughout the NFL season, aired key moments from every game each week -- if you haven't seen it, think of how CBS covers March Madness with its "Live Look-ins".

The NFL is now planning to take the show to the next step during the 2010 season by airing the program live in-stadium during breaks in games. According to NFL.com, "NFL RedZone" will replace NFL Films highlights at all 32 NFL stadiums for the upcoming season.

• If appears contract negotiations between the Saints and running back Pierre Thomas have broken down, ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reported.

Thomas is eyeing "Steven Jackson" money, the report said, which is more than the Saints are willing to pay for a running back who's never cracked the 1,000-yard mark (Jackson is working on a streak of five straight 1,000-yard seasons).

Pasquarelli said the Saints' No. 1 offseason target was guard Jahri Evans, who the team signed to a seven-year, $56 million deal. A new deal for Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees is likely next, which Pasquarelli said, could price Thomas out unless he lowers his demands.

Transaction Wire

• Baltimore's also closing in on a deal with kicker Shayne Graham, according to multiple reports. Graham spent the past seven seasons in Cincinnati. He connected on 23 of 28 field-goal attempts in 2009, his lowest conversion rate (82.1 percent) since 2002 in Carolina (72.2 percent).

If signed, Graham would likely replace Billy Cundiff, who hit 18 of 23 field goals last season for Baltimore, then connected on all three tries during the postseason.

• The Ravens stayed busy, announcing that former Browns General Manager George Kokinis had been named Senior Personnel Assistant. Kokinis was the Ravens' Director of Pro Personnel from 2003-2008 before leaving to take the GM job in Cleveland. He was fired when the Browns opened last season at 1-7.

• Cincinnati signed offensive lineman Isaac Sowells, formerly of the Browns. Sowells played in all 16 games for Cleveland in 2008, but has seen action in just one other contest since being drafted in 2006 out of Indiana.

Injury Ward

• Sam Hurd joined Dallas' OTAs for the first time since February thumb surgery, according to Cowboys beat reporter Todd Archer. Hurd has asked to be traded out of Dallas -- not a surprise given the Cowboys' loaded receiving corps -- but should hold down a roster spot if he stays healthy.

Tweet Up

• Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (@Lfitzgerald11): "Just broke meetings, about to hit the practice field and try to get a bit better today. Hit you guys later. Faith Focus Finish