by Sports Xchange

Running back Ladell Betts, who had filled in so well for 2008 Pro Bowl participant Clinton Portis (concussion) during the second half on Nov. 8 at Atlanta and on Nov. 15 against Denver, tore the MCL and partially tore the ACL in his left knee against the Cowboys. Betts was placed on injured reserve Monday.

With Portis out this week at Philadelphia, too, third-stringer Rock Cartwright will start for the first time since 2003.

With rookie fullback Eddie Williams having broken his left leg during last Friday's practice, the Redskins are down to Cartwright, fullback Mike Sellers and reserve Quinton Ganther in the backfield for the game with the Eagles. On Monday, Washington re-signed Marcus Mason, who was cut in October.

Chad Rinehart, who has started more games (four) at right guard than anyone during this season of musical chairs for the offensive line, had surgery Monday to repair the right leg he broke during the third quarter at Dallas.

Rookie free agent Edwin Williams, who replaced Rinehart, likely will become the fifth starter in 11 games at the spot at Philadelphia, although Will Montgomery, who started Week 6, 7 and 9, will be considered as will Mike Williams (Week 5), who sat out the past two games with the sprained ankle he suffered against the Falcons. Mike Williams also happens to be the top backup tackle.

Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley, who has been out since breaking an ankle in the first game with Philadelphia on Oct. 26, isn't progressing as well as hoped. He'll remain in a boot for another 10 days, meaning he might well miss the Dec. 6 game against New Orleans as well as the Eagles rematch. He could wind up on injured reserve.

That's just the offense.

Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who only missed one series against the Cowboys after it was announced that he had bruised a knee during the first quarter, has a sprained MCL and is questionable for Sunday.

All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth, who missed his first Redskins game at Dallas because of the left ankle he sprained against the Broncos, might not be ready to return this week.

"Everything else is minor," said beleaguered coach Jim Zorn, whose team has lost five of its past six games and 13 of 18 since a 6-2 first half of 2008.