Roster Battles: Running Back

Coming into last Thursday's game many Redskins fans didn't anticipate much of a battle for any roster spot in regards to the running back position. That opinion may have changed now with a solid performance from rookie Alfred Morris. The position battle could heat up even more this Saturday against the Bears.

Tim Hightower (8): Hightower did not play versus the Bills and Mike Shanahan has said that we won't see the veteran running back until the third preseason game when the Colts come to town. At this point Hightower's roster spot is not in the least bit of jeopardy and he is a virtual lock for this team.

Roy Helu (8): Helu didn't see the field much on Thursday but did register four carries for 17 yards. The Redskins sophomore also caught a pass, but it was for a loss. Helu did have the best yards per carry average with 4.3 in this contest. He still has a strong grasp on his roster spot and could be a great weapon for Robert Griffin III this upcoming season.

Evan Royster (5): Royster was less than impressive and seemed sluggish on Thursday. There were a couple of cut-backs that the second year player missed in the game and just couldn't seem to get things going despite getting the starting nod from Mike Shanahan. He ended the night with seven carries for 21 yards, with his longest run being a 12 yard scamper. A botched hand-off early in the game with Griffin will also weigh heavily on the coaches minds.Royster will need to step it up to keep Alfred Morris from taking his spot this preseason.

BELOW THE CUT-LINE

Alfred Morris (4): The rookie out of Florida Atlantic impressed Thursday night registering 54 yards on 14 carries. The two biggest things that Morris showed is that he is a tough runner and that he is always moving forward. He actually reminds me somewhat of Royster, but I think he is more talented and farther along at this point in his career than Royster was. One angle of his game that was not explored Thursday was his ability to contribute in the passing games, he was not targeted but perhaps will be on Saturday.

Tristan Davis (2): Davis has been on and off the PUP list at Redskins Park but did get a chance to play against the Bills where he had a carry for negative yardage and a four yard catch. He doesn't seem to be able to stay healthy and the second year man out of Auburn could find himself on the practice squad.

Antwon Bailey (1): DNP

Lennon Creer (1): DNP