Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan refused to name a starting running back when pressed on Thursday. Ryan Torain is considered the favorite to handle early-down carries, but the backfield snaps are going to be determined by game momentum. Last week's playing time suggests Roy Helu will be on the field on obvious passing downs, which leaves Torain sidelined whenever the Redskins are in catch-up mode. Both backs will be risky for fantasy purposes.

The Washington Post considers Ryan Torain "likely" to take over as the Redskins' starting tailback with Tim Hightower out for the season. The Post refers to rookie Roy Helu as the Redskins' probable "change-of-pace/third-down back" going forward. The Skins also have Evan Royster and Tristan Davis on the practice squad, and one may be promoted ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills. Torain has managed just 17 yards on 12 carries since his 135-yard game off the bench at St. Louis in Week 4. He's going to be a high-risk, if high-upside fantasy play this Sunday.

Ryan Torain rushed two times for negative-five yards in Sunday's loss to the Panthers. The Redskins had no intention of using Torain today. Tim Hightower started and rarely came off the field in the first half despite a monster workload. Roy Helu was the third-down back. But after Hightower suffered a potentially serious knee injury, Torain got on the field for some early-down work. Torain is a "hold" while we see if he emerged from this game healthy and wait for a timetable on Hightower.

Ryan Torain gained 26 yards after contact in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. Torain finished with 10 carries for 22 yards, but he played much better than that. The Eagles sold out to stop the run against a Redskins' line that lost two starters during the game and they constantly hit Torain in the backfield. We still suspect that Torain will get a chance to stick as the primary early-down back, even if Tim Hightower (shoulder) is ready to go this week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday Countdown that Ryan Torain is expected to receive "the lion's share" of carries in the Redskins' backfield in Week 6 against the Eagles. In Schefter's report, Tim Hightower was barely mentioned, while Schefter insisted the Redskins remain high on rookie Roy Helu. At this point, we wouldn't be surprised if Torain was first in line for carries, Helu was second, and Hightower was a relatively distant third. As we've said all week, Hightower is not a Week 6 fantasy option. Torain should be locked into lineup as an RB2, and Helu has some appeal as a dice-roll flex play for desperate owners.

Ryan Torain says he has not been told how he will be used in Week 6 against the Eagles.

Rich Campbell of the Washington Times believes Ryan Torain has "the edge" in the Redskins backfield this week due to his "proven ability to gain yards after contact." Tim Hightower is publicly campaigning to start against the Eagles, and at least one report suggests that will happen. Hightower (shoulder) is listed as questionable, however, and may see just a carry or two before giving way to Torain. Against the Eagles' generous run defense, Torain remains a RB2 play this week.

Longtime Redskins beat writer David Elfin believes the Redskins' feature back job is Ryan Torain's "to take and run with." We suspect the same thing. "Ryan had a heck of a game (against the Rams). Any time a guy is averaging seven yards a carry, you're sure going to give him an opportunity to show us what he can do," coach Mike Shanahan said. Tim Hightower is averaging 3.5 yards per carry on the season and has a nicked up shoulder. He's likely ticketed for a third-down role against the Eagles Sunday.

Coach Mike Shanahan again refused to name a Week 6 starting tailback on Wednesday, but confirmed that he was pleased with what Ryan Torain put on tape before the Redskins' Week 5 bye. "(It was) nice to have [Torain] back at full speed," said Shanahan. "Everyone saw what he did against the Rams. Hopefully he can stay at that level." John Keim of the Washington Examiner considers Torain the "sensible" choice to lead the Redskins' backfield against the Eagles, with Tim Hightower working on third downs. Roy Helu would remain the change-of-pace back.

Coach Mike Shanahan declined to name a starting tailback coming out of the Redskins' Week 5 bye Monday. "I'm going to play the best players and we'll see how these guys do," he said. "They have some great competition. As I said before, we have three backs that I really believe in. ... I think we're in a good situation and we'll see how practice goes this week and we'll make a decision." Tim Hightower isn't quite 100 percent after a Week 4 shoulder injury. He should be active against the Eagles, but Ryan Torain is tentatively expected to be the featured back.