The Redskins intend to re-sign free agent running back Tim Hightower, coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday at the NFL annual meetings.
The team considers Hightower, who turns 26 in May, a strong fit for its outside zone running scheme because of his vision, and his ability to explode up the field and square his shoulders after making one cut.
Hightower had 321 yards and one touchdown on 84 carries last season (3.8-yard average). He tore the ACL in his left knee during the sixth game of the season.
“We’re trying to re-sign Hightower,” Shanahan said. “You’re just hoping that he comes back full speed from his knee with the ACL. But, yeah, he’s a potential starter on our football team.”
Hightower’s rehabilitation is on schedule.
“It looks like he’ll be back full speed ready to go,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan plans to have five or six running backs on the roster entering training camp this summer, he said. Roy Helu and Evan Royster capably replaced Hightower last season as rookies. Tailback Tristan Davis is on the roster after finishing last season on the practice squad.
