Tim Hightower 
is still rehabbing his left knee after November ACL surgery, Roy Helu is dealing with tendinitis around both Achilles tendons, and Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is unsure if either running back will play Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints.
When asked Wednesday if Hightower and Helu will play in that game, Shanahan said, "I really don't know yet."
Until they are healthy, Evan Royster and Alfred Morris will continue to see the majority of preseason playing time.
Fantasy Analysis:
Far be it from Shanahan to ever let us know any of his plans regarding running backs, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt -- for some reason. Maybe he really doesn't know yet.
I'll just say this: I like Helu. I have all offseason. Redskins coaches have questions about him, but he can do it all. His tendinitis is a little worrisome, but Hightower's knee is a much more serious situation. And Helu is clearly more talented than either Royster or Morris. Helu is the only player out of this quartet that I would consider in drafts. If he starts off the year injured, Royster looks to be the first-team runnng back. That could mean a couple of starts for Royster, but I don't think Helu will be out that long. His injury has helped lower his draft stock, and you should take advantage. At this point, Helu shouldn't cost you more than a ninth-round pick in a 12-team standard league.
