Ryan Torain led the Redskins' backfield with 30 snaps played in Week 4, after not playing a down in their first three games. Tim Hightower had 26 snaps; rookie Roy Helu got only nine. While Hightower's reduced playing time may be partially attributable to his shoulder injury, it's clear that Torain is a more effective per-play back, regardless of Hightower's health. Torain is the rusher to own in Washington, for now. Helu remains locked into a change-of-pace role only, essentially making him third string.

Coach Mike Shanahan noted that Ryan Torain was running "like he was possessed" against the Rams in Week 4. The style endears Torain to his head coach, but it also inevitably leads to injuries. Torain looks safe to ride as a RB2 from Weeks 6-8 against the Eagles, Panthers, and Bills -- all three in the top 10 in points allowed to fantasy backs. We just wouldn't count on Torain maintaining value over the long haul.

Redskins HC Mike Shanahan has hinted he'll go with a committee at running back going forward. "We're going to play the best players," Shanahan said. "The good thing about it, we've got three football players at the running back position. All three guys can play. All guys have a strength, and we'll play the hot guy." This has all the makings of an undesirable fantasy situation, but the Redskins may have no choice. Ryan Torain is the team's best pure runner, but Tim Hightower excels at picking up the blitz while Roy Helu provides a burst neither other back has. Torain looked like he'll be the back to own on Sunday, but it's certainly not time to cuit bait on Hightower, especially considering Torain's injury history.

The Washington Times suggests that the Redskins could now use a three-way rotation in the backfield, after Ryan Torain broke out for 135 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Week 4. Beat writer Rich Campbell suggests Torain as the first- and second-down back, Hightower as the blitz picker-upper on passing downs, and rookie Roy Helu as the pace change. While this is just speculation, it's clear that the Skins need to find ways to get all three backs on the field. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is a big believer in per-play stats. Torain averaged over seven yards per carry against St. Louis, while Hightower is at 3.48 on the year.

Coach Mike Shanahan revealed that he decided mid-week that Ryan Torain's role would grow Sunday against the Rams. Torain had not played a single offensive snap in Weeks 1-3. "You watch people practice and you kind of get a good feel," Shanahan said. "We decided very quickly that we would put Ryan in and we did." Torain actually didn't even play until the 7:07 mark in the second quarter, and wound up with just 20 snaps. Shanahan would not say in his post-game press conference whether Torain will continue to play a significant role on offense. He certainly earned it with 135 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

After entering Week 4 without a carry, Ryan Torain led the Redskins in totes in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Rams, taking the ball 19 times for 135 yards and a touchdown. Torain's first carry didn't come until midway through the second quarter, but he stole the show from there on out, running with his trademark ferocity as he routinely shed tacklers and smashed through tiny running lanes. He outcarried Tim Hightower and Roy Helu 17 to seven in the second half. He was inexplicably subbed out for Helu on Washington's second to last series of the game, leading to a Redskins three-and-out. Washington got the ball back with 2:11 remaining, however, and Torain took the ball 11 yards on three carries, giving the 'Skins a game-ending first down. His performance today was in stark contrast to Hightower's, who danced around holes while continually failing to get to the outside. Torain's performance was dominant enough that it's hard to believe he won't be the Redskins' feature back when they return from their Week 5 bye.

Ryan Torain (hand) has been limited in this week's practices. Torain had no problems with his surgically repaired hand in the preseason finale, so he should be fine for Sunday's game. As the Redskins' third tailback, Torain isn't even a flex option entering the season.

Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed that Ryan Torain is the Redskins' third running back after entering the preseason finale on the roster bubble. "Torain beat Evan (Royster) out in the last game and that's why he's the third running back," said Shanahan. "We were hoping he could come back and play well and we thought he played well against Tampa to earn himself a position." Roy Helu will enter the season as Tim Hightower's change-of-pace, though we suspect he would split time with Torain in the event of an injury.

Ryan Torain has made the Redskins' final roster. Torain was said to be on the bubble entering the preseason finale, but he showed impressive power in out-playing rookie Evan Royster. Now that Royster is nursing a concussion, Torain will get the nod behind Tim Hightower and Roy Helu. He won't have fantasy value to start the season.

Citing a well-placed team source, Chris Russell of ESPN 980 Washington reports the Redskins were "leaning toward" keeping Evan Royster over Ryan Torain before the preseason finale. Russell concedes Royster's concussion could alter those plans. Torain also out-played Royster Thursday, showing obvious power whereas the rookie failed to get more than what was blocked. If the Redskins do end up cutting Torain, it would solidify Tim Hightower's fantasy value. If not, Torain could "get a turn as the starter at some point this season," according to ESPN.com's Dan Graziano.