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As doctors expect Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to rehabilitate his surgically repaired right knee ligaments and meniscus in time for the 2013 season, teammate Tim Hightower is proof that timetables are nothing more than frameworks established by precedents.
It was the first week of Washington Redskins training camp when Alfred Morris entertained the question. Darrel Young was hurt, and the unassuming sixth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic was asked if he had been asked by the coaching staff to fill in at fullback.
If the so-called rookie wall is in front of Alfred Morris, he doesn't see it. He doesn't feel it. His legs seem fresh. His muscles feel good. Mentally, he is sharp.
Back in the state in which he grew up and played college football, Alfred Morris found a comfort zone quickly.
Ryan Grant had already worked out for the Bears and was in Chicago on the way to take a physical when he had to make a choice. Along with that possibility, the Washington Redskins put in an offer.
Alfred Morris said he was "in awe" of the situation. He didn't have the same spotlight on him as Robert Griffin III, but the Washington Redskins' sixth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic still was making his NFL debut in front of 70,000-plus fans at the Superdome.
Even after cutting Tim Hightower, the Washington Redskins believe in their depth at running back with Roy Helu Jr., Evan Royster and rookie Alfred Morris. All three are healthy and eager to contribute in Week 1 and beyond. So who will get the bulk of the carries Sunday at the New Orleans Saints?
Mike Shanahan has decided on who will start at running back for the Washington Redskins in their season opener against New Orleans on Sept. 9, but he intends to keep it a secret until gameday.
The Washington Redskins continued the sweeping change at the wide receiver position Friday night in keeping seven on their final roster.
Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut Friday as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum.
Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut Friday as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum.
This was a preseason of attrition for Washington Redskins running backs. Tim Hightower wasn't 100 percent after knee surgery last fall, Roy Helu Jr. missed time with sore Achilles tendons and Evan Royster felt soreness in his right knee.
Alfred Morris had a good reason to be upbeat inside Soldier Field's visitor's locker room nine days ago, but he focused elsewhere.
So often injured players have to talk their way back into practice or game action. In Tim Hightower's case, after tearing the ACL in his left knee last season, it was a matter of testing it and seeing what happens.
Washington Redskins wide receiver Brandon Banks' 91-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears was a necessary reminder of his explosiveness in the return game.
"His accomplishments were amazing," Hightower said. "That's something people can strive to; people can strive to do better. The amazing thing that Adrian Peterson taught a lot of people is that regardless of the situation, there's always going to be a prognosis, but an exception to the rule. I can't define that, and Dr. Andrews can't define that for [Griffin]."
"One thing I did learn and I'm learning: every ACL, every knee surgery is not the same," Hightower said. "Different guys' bodies respond different ways to different things."
