Back-ups for Morris

[The Trashman]

Morris will be the starter, barring injuries next year.

The question is who will be his regular backup. I suspect Helu will be back to share duties with Royster. I like that setup. I don't particularly want to see Hightower back on the team. He appears to be the most injury prone of all the 3 backs.

Thoughts.

[BobGriffin]

Royster was so bad this year that we were pleasantly surprised when contributed positively I think we should cut our losses. If Helu can prove to be healthy (big if) we need a 3rd guy that is specialized because Helu has the be ability to be the change of pace.

[Pride]

I like the idea of Helu being so different than Morris, we get that true thunder/lighning combo that keeps defenses off guard. Couple that with Helu being awesome catching out of the back field I see it as one more component teams have to consider. Not digging Royster and I just don't think we need THT

[Painkiller]

We hope it is Helu because when he is 100% he's better than anybody else we will find. He is the ultimate change of pace back behind Morris. Speedy shifty. Morris is a bruiser.

I wish Hightower could stay healthy, he's the type of player you want on this team.

[Asianskins]

I'd like this line-up, Almo...Helu...THT...plus RGIII ...Oh boy...We'll be awesome, assuming everybody is healthy.

[moondog]

I think Helu is the perfect complement, especially in this offense. The fact that he is still unable to sprint though is very concerning. If he can't get on the field we're going to need to bring in someone else. Hightower is still young and perhaps he will be back this year. He would definitely be an excellent 3rd down option for us as well.

[HighOnHendrix]

Backups should be Helu and whatever late-round "nobody" Shanahan digs up.

[Checmate101]

I say go out and get Chris Rainey..he was let go by the steelers

[elkabong82]

Helu will be great change of pace back. I don't think Royster has been great on blitz pick-up/blocking assignment, and I think a blocking back who can catch would be best for 3rd back.

[MrJL]

hasn't that guy Tristan Davis done well in preseasons?

I wonder about the complaints about Royster. I mean he came in on 3rd down, non-run situations mostly. That means he was there for blocking and pass catching. If he wasn't good enough why not leave Young in there?

[Renegade7]

Helu Jr is the perfect option if healthy. Regardless, we should still get us another HOF running back with one of our 7th round draft picks just to be on the safe side.

[SkinsTight]

Helu is dangerous when he is 100 healthy!!!!

[Fight for ole DC]

It would not surprise me to see Shanahan trade Morris for an elite player at another position (CB, FS, etc). He has a history of finding RB late in the draft that fit perfectly into his ZBS. I can see him leveraging Morris' success (sell high) into an elite player at a position of need. I am not advocating for such a trade but would not be surprised to see it happen.

To answer the question in the OP....a tough, durable, one-cut-and-go RB that fits the Shanny system is the perfect back-up for Morris. Look for us to draft a late-round RB that few people talk about to fill that roll.

[kingdaddy]

Rainey is a Good call....we need a third down scat back and he's got speed.

[SkinsFanMania]

I say go out and get Chris Rainey..he was let go by the steelers

Agree. I think Rainey would be a great number 3 option and insurance if Helu is unable to go.