Hightower, Graham fantasy impact

Fantasy football owners have begged, pleaded and prayed for some clarity in the Redskins’ backfield over the last month. I witness it every Sunday during our three-hour fantasy chat, “who should I start Tim Hightower or Ryan Torain?”

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• Ryan Fowler
• Joel Beall
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My answer has remained, “I don’t trust Mike Shanahan’s offense and neither should you.”

Unfortunately, it took a season-ending knee injury to Tim Hightower (ACL tear), a guy who was already dealing with a banged up shoulder, to provide that clarity.

Not so fast. The fog remains.

From Hightower and Torain, I present to you the weekly dilemma of starting Torain or Roy Helu. The rookie running back out of Nebraska has rushed for 131 yards on 27 carries (4.9 yards per rush) in limited action this season.

What does that mean in a Shanahan offense? Absolutely nothing.

If you are a Torain owner, I suggest you immediately snatch up Helu. Evan Royster will most likely get promoted from the Redskins’ practice squad to third-string running back. So, keep tabs on him as the season plays out.

Now, let’s just say you’re in a league where you owned Hightower, but somebody has already snatched up Torain and Helu. Look to Detroit and Indianapolis for possible replacements. Former Redskins' running back, Keiland Williams and Colts’ rookie, Delone Carter are viable options to fill the void left by Hightower on your roster.

Other options:

• Michael Bush (owned in 48.3 percent of leagues)
• Maurice Morris (owned in 17.5 percent)
• Donald Brown (owned in 7.9 percent)
• Marion Barber (deep leagues only - owned in 7.8 percent)

As for Earnest Graham’s season-ending Achilles’ injury down in Tampa, LeGarrette Blount is scheduled to return following the Buccaneers’ Week 8 bye. Those who started Graham in deeper leagues should take a look at Kregg Lumpkin as a possible replacement. He was targeted eight times in Sunday’s loss to the Bears and finished with six receptions for 37 yards. One would assume his roll will mimic Graham’s as a third-down back the rest of the season.