Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed that Evan Royster will start at tailback in the preseason opener. Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) is symbolically first on the depth chart, but he's not going to play Thursday night. Shanahan expects Hightower to make his exhibition debut in the third game. Royster remains the favorite over Roy Helu and a recovering Hightower to enter Week 1 as the primary early-down back.

Redskins RB Evan Royster has continued to work with the starting unit. Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) isn't close to 100 percent and the coaching staff isn't showing full confidence in Roy Helu yet. That leaves Royster, who has shown drastic improvement since his rookie training camp in 2011. Penn State's all-time leading rusher posted back-to-back 100-yard games to end last season and is impressing with his "wiggle." Although Helu has more natural talent and explosion, Royster appears to have landed the first blow in this battle.

Coach Mike Shanahan continues to express confidence in Evan Royster's running ability. Asked what he likes most about Royster's style, Shanahan gushed, "You can't tackle him. He makes people miss. He knows how to cut [and] and he knows when to cut." Royster may be an ordinary talent, but that hasn't stopped other runners from exceeding in Shanahan's scheme. Royster can't be ruled out as a serious candidate to open the season as the starter.

Evan Royster took the first snaps at running back as the Redskins opened training camp on Thursday. We can't read too much into this because reported "starter" Tim Hightower -- seven months removed from ACL surgery -- isn't yet 100 percent. It does lend credence, however, to the idea that Roy Helu may be currently viewed as more of a change-of-pace option as opposed to Royster's status as an early-down back. Helu began camp with the second-team offense.

Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan indicated that Evan Royster has joined Roy Helu as "two guys who can help you in the future." 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."

Evan Royster rushed 20 times for 113 yards and added five catches for 52 yards in Week 17 against the Eagles. Royster saw the majority of the carries in the Redskins' season finale with Roy Helu (ankle, toe) at less than full health. He was also the team's leading receiver and was targeted seven times in the passing game by Rex Grossman. Washington's offense is due for an upgrade next season, but Royster and Helu have been the lone bright spots in recent drafts.

Evan Royster, not Roy Helu, started in Sunday's Week 17 game against the Eagles. 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 and expected to play.

Evan Royster rushed 19 times for 132 yards and added two catches for 15 yards in Week 16 against the Vikings. In his career first start, Royster averaged 6.9 yards per carry and had a long of 28 yards. He blatantly outperformed backup Ryan Torain, and looks like a natural fit for Mike Shanahan's one-cut blocking scheme. Royster saw 21 touches to Torain's six and will continue to start if Roy Helu (toe, ankle) is unable to play in Week 17.

Evan Royster will be the Redskins' starting tailback Saturday against Minnesota. 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.

Chris Russell of ESPN 980 Washington suggested on Twitter Saturday morning that rookie Evan Royster might be the Redskins' starting tailback against the Vikings with Roy Helu "banged up." 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.