DENVER (AP) – The Denver Broncos will find out Sunday if they can count on running back Clinton Portis against the Detroit Lions.

“He practiced today and got some reps in there,” Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Friday. “It will be a game-time decision.” Portis ran hard during the team’s light workout, but he can’t seem to shake the soreness in his chest.

Portis was injured two weeks ago when San Diego’s Kwamie Lassiter hit him under the pads. He started against Oakland on Monday night but missed most of the second half after landing on his shoulder.

How will Shanahan decide whether to use his runner?

“It will be just a gut feeling,” the coach said.

“It will be based on a combination of everything.”

Shanahan also said he won’t figure out whether defensive tackle Daryl Gardener will play against Detroit until right before kickoff.

Gardener had surgery to repair a right wrist broken in a fight and hasn’t played this season. He practiced Wednesday without pain, then had a setback Thursday. Gardener was at practice Friday, but he didn’t participate.

“There is nothing he can do,” Shanahan said. “He’s just going to have to tolerate the pain.”

AP-ES-09-26-03 1807EDT