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When Washington acquired Tim Hightower from Arizona, it didn't seem like a major trade; just one more moving part to the team's crowded running back corps. It looks, however, that those who ignore Hightower's potential in Washington will do so at their own cost.
Hightower was a standout performer in the team's exhibition opener, and while you don't want to overrate that, there's no reason to think he won't open the season as the starter. Ryan Torain (hand) is injured, and rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster, like other rookies, are well behind the curve in picking up the offense.
Hightower is the most experienced back on the roster, he's a functional runner -- about all this rushing offense calls for -- and he's a capable blocker and receiver. And he's healthy. Those factors should be enough to keep him atop the depth chart as long as he holds onto the football (fumbles were what ultimately got him shipped out of Arizona).
Not that he should be a draft day priority; as we've seen many times in the past, the August starter in a Shanahan offense won't necessarily keep that job all season. But he looks like the back most assured of an early-season role in Washington.
Other Washington news: Chris Cooley is out "at least a couple of weeks" with soreness in his knee. Mike Shanahan says he doesn't know when Cooley will return, but he should be moved down draft boards accordingly, while Fred Davis -- who caught 6 TDs in 10 starts with Cooley hurt two years ago -- should be moved up. Sleeper potential for Davis, major red flag for Cooley.
--Andy Richardson
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Posted by Marc Mayfield | Aug. 15 at 09:37 AM
Hightower has the potential to be a top ten PPR back if Shanahan will give him the necessary touches. Pretty big IF.