Redskins backfield is blurry

Washington's Ryan Torain (46) gives a stiff arm to Giants cornerback Aaron Ross during the first quarter. (Jan. 2, 2011) Credit: AP
In Sunday's column I mentioned to sell high on the Redskins' Tim Hightower if he has a good game. One of the reasons is because he's not a special running back and with Mike Shanahan as coach, the running back picture can change quickly.
It has already shifted. Shanahan said after the game that Hightower didn't look like himself in practice, yet he wasn't on the injury report. Then he revealed Hightower hurt his shoulder on the third play of the game against the Rams Sunday, but didn't say how serious.
Ryan Torain didn’t have a carry the first three weeks of the season and had a big game against the Rams. Torain had 19 carries for 135 yards and he was very good last season.
The issue with Torain is health. He never stays healthy for a long period of time. Shanahan likes to change his running backs routinely and with Hightower banged up, Torain will see an increase in carries and Roy Helu will be in the mix, too.
The Redskins have a bye in Week 5 before getting easy matchups against the run with Philadelphia and Carolina. This situation is a headache for fantasy owners. It will be a guessing game and likely be a scenario where the hot hand gets most of the touches.
Torain is on the waiver wire in many leagues and with bye weeks and lack of depth and appealing free agent options, I’d still add him.
Most Popular
Top Stories
RJ Luis Jr. cleared by judge to play for LSU after spending time with 2 NBA teams
1m read

Anthony Seigler hits go-ahead triple in 9th and Red Sox beat Marlins 4-2
1m read

Nationals roll to 13-3 victory and extend Rockies' losing streak to season-high 7 games
1m read

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia to have season-ending right shoulder surgery

Aranda's home run and Rasmussen's six strong innings lead Rays past slumping Tigers, 4-1
1m read

Anthony Hankerson waived by the Seahawks and could choose to return to college