ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Injuries have given Evan Royster a clear shot to claim the starting running back job for the Washington Redskins.
The second-year player is expected to get the bulk of the first-team work Saturday when the Redskins visit Chicago.
Tim Hightower is recovering from knee surgery, and Roy Helu Jr. has tendinitis in his left Achilles tendon. There's a chance either or both could return for next week's game at Indianapolis, but that leaves Royster and prospects Alfred Morris and Tristan Davis carrying the load for now.
Royster is Penn State's career rushing leader rusher. He was a sixth-round draft pick a year ago and began the season on the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster midseason and rushed for 100 yards in each of the final two games.
