It's been about two weeks since the Washington Redskins traded for running back Tim Hightower . In that time, he has apparently reached the top of the Redskins' RB depth chart. On Thursday, the team's official website became just the latest source to tab Hightower as the team's No. 1 running back ahead of rookie Roy Helu and the currently injured Ryan Torain . Considering how offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan speaks of Hightower, it's no surprise that he's the starter right now. "On grass with us, I think he can be an every-down back," Shanahan said of Hightower to SI.com. "Because he's definitely a first- and second-down runner, and he also has good hands, and he's fearless when it comes to blocking. He understands our pass schemes and he's got a chance to be a guy who doesn't come off the field. "He's a violent runner. He runs as hard as he can, gets to the line of scrimmage, and presses his cuts. And when he puts his foot down, it's violent, and he's getting downhill. He always gets tackled with his shoulders going north. He's exactly what we look for in this offense."

Fantasy Analysis:

As long as Hightower can stay healthy and keep his fumbling problems to a minimum, it sounds like he will be Washington's starting running back in week one versus the New York Giants. I think Helu, a runner who fits Mike Shanahan's one-cut run scheme very well, is his top competition. Torain is just always hurt. Even if the Redskins turn out to be a horrible team in 2011 as many are predicting, I have to think Hightower is at least a decent flex play if the team insists on turning him into a three-down back. He could be a worth a little more than that in PPR leagues. He caught 63 passes with the Cardinals in 2009.