Evan

Royster

Russell expects Royster to “play a huge role” against Minnesota, and he “might even start.” Russell indicated that this report/tweet was mostly speculation by first writing, “you never know for sure,” but we’ve dealt enough with Russell to know that his speculation is informed speculation. We’ve not known Russell to be incorrect about Redskins matters. It’s a big concern for fantasy owners of Helu, who isn’t going to be 100 percent anyway, has a tough matchup with a top-ten run defense, and is now apparently in danger of losing a significant chunk of his workload. The Redskins’ backfield is shaping up as a situation to avoid in fantasy championship week.

Helu was able to put together consecutive practices on Thursday and Friday, but was unable to get through pre-game warmups and will not play in Week 16. Evan Royster is expected to start but could lose carries to Ryan Torain and is not a recommended fantasy option. The Vikings currently have the NFL’s 10th ranked rush defense.

Royster may have to share early-down work with Ryan Torain, and in terms of talent he shouldn’t be much of a match for the Vikings’ top-ten run defense. While Royster is certainly worth a look as a flex with the potential to hit 17-22 touches, we wouldn’t consider benching any studly fantasy options for him.

Starting for the first time this season, Royster averaged 6.9 yards per carry and was used in a featured role on offense. He looks to be at least serviceable filling in for Roy Helu (toe, ankle). Royster finished with 21 total touches to Ryan Torain’s six and will continue to start if Helu is ruled out for Week 17.

Royster got a few more reps than usual with the Redskins nursing a big lead for much of the game and Roy Helu nursing some minor injuries. He’s locked in as Helu’s backup, ahead of Ryan Torain -- who was a healthy scratch again today.

Royster earned a piece of the 2012 backfield pie with back-to-back 100-yard performances to close out the season while posting a gaudy 5.86 yards per average on 56 carries. “He just has a knack for finding the right hole,” said Shanahan. “He’s a very natural running back, he does it with ease.”

Torain was not injured last week when he was inactive against the Patriots. “Ryan was not going to play unless something happened to the two running backs,” Shanahan said Monday. With Tim Hightower (knee) possibly back next year, Torain is staring at the chopping block this offseason.

“We felt he was ready,” Shanahan said of Helu’s big day against the Seahawks. “You could see some elusiveness, power, some speed. That’s what you look for in a running back.” We’ve all learned to take whatever Shanahan says with a massive grain of salt, but it appears he’s finally ready to stop playing games with the Redskins season in the tank and only five games remaining. Helu is in for a number of difficult matchups down the stretch, but could be an every-week RB2 as long as Shanahan keeps his word. Fellow rookie Evan Royster, and not Ryan Torain, appears to be second in line for carries.

The Redskins are apparently comfortable enough with Helu’s health to let him play in this meaningless season finale. Still, we wouldn’t expect a full workload. Helu is at less than 100 percent and Evan Royster flashed plenty of potential in his start last week. Some kind of timeshare makes sense.

Royster started and got the game’s first two carries before the Redskins promptly went three-and-out. The Redskins will likely go to a committee attack for the remainder of the game. Helu is active.