Kyle Shanahan: Hightower can be an every-down RB

Kyle Shanahan: Hightower can be every-down RB

Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan believes Tim Hightower can be an "every-down back" in Washington.

"Because he's definitely a first- and second-down runner," said Shanahan, "and he also has good hands, and he's fearless when it comes to blocking. ... He knows the opportunity that's here for him, and I've been real encouraged." The Shanahans call Hightower a "strong," "powerful," and "violent" runner and believe he's ideally suited to the zone-blocking scheme. Even if rookie Roy Helu is the most explosive back on the roster, Hightower should lead this backfield in touches.

I think Hightower will provide help to a Skins backfield that desperately needed it.  But if Roy Helu is healthy, and learns the offense, expect him to supplant Hightower.  Typically the hardest adjustment for rookies is the pass protections.  Worse case scenario, we see Helu a lot on running downs and Hightower on passing downs.  Keep in mind that Hightower has had fumbling issues as well.

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