FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 4/14/2013 5:33pm et

Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu could beat out RB Evan Royster for the No. 2 running back job next season because of his speed and pass-catching ability.

Huddle Up: Helu is the forgotten man in D.C. after a nasty turf-toe injury scuttled all but 3 games of his 2012 season. Helu did roll up 1,019 total yards in his rookie season, and while he won't approach that total as long as Alfred Morris is healthy, he could prove to be a valuable Morris handcuff.

Posted: 4/6/2013 10:59am et

Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu had surgery on Feb. 5, to correct a lingering foot issue. Helu said he expects to be back at full speed for the start of organized team activities.

Huddle Up: Helu never really challenged Alfred Morris for touches in the Washington backfield last season and is more of an insurance policy, albeit one with upside in the Redskins' offense.

Posted: 9/26/2012 12:28pm et

The Washington Redskins have placed RB Roy Helu on Injured Reserve.

Huddle Up: However, since Mike Shanahan can't have fewer than 17 running backs at his immediate disposal, the Redskins added Ryan Grant to the mix. Enjoy.

Posted: 9/10/2012 4:47pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan confirmed that RB Alfred Morris is the starting running back. Shanahan also said that he still believes in RBs Roy Helu and Evan Royster.

Huddle Up: This situation is typical Shanahan. Morris allegedly plummeted to 3rd in the pecking order last week, only to dominate the carries in Sundays victory against the Saints. Someday in the future, Shanahan will have a RB on the roster he really believes in, and he will ride him all season long. He has done so in the past with previously untouted backs. Whether this is one of those situations, or the normal three card monte Shanahan has played with fantasy players in more recent times remains to be seen.

Posted: 9/1/2012 11:28pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan indicated Saturday, Sept. 1, that he has settled on a starting running back for Week 1, but he is keeping it a secret. He said RBs Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster have made 'tremendous progession' in pass protection, so the starter is believed to be one of the two.

Huddle Up: The question is, does it really matter? Fantasy GMs know otherwise when it comes to Mike Shanahan and his RBs. Count on Helu and Royster and rookie sixth-round pick Alfred Morris to all get plenty of work -- fantasy owners just won't know who, how much or when from week to week.

Posted: 8/23/2012 2:44pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said RBs Roy Helu (Achilles') and Evan Royster (knee) will not play in the third preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25, because of injuries.

Huddle Up: Meanwhile, fellow RB Tim Hightower (knee) is scheduled to play Saturday. What that ultimately means fantasy-wise for the Washington RB situation is anyone's guess, though.

Posted: 8/22/2012 4:54pm et

Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu (Achilles') said he was doing a lot better, and took part in practice Wednesday, Aug. 22. Helu said he was able to do everything.

Huddle Up: Injury issues are mounting for Helu in his short career, and a couple of sore Achilles are alarming for anyone willing to take a risk on him. When healthy he is the best back in Washington, but Mike Shanahan will not hesitate to roll with Evan Royster or even Alfred Morris if Helu is not 100 percent or less effective.

Posted: 8/15/2012 4:11pm et

Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu (Achilles') is likely to miss the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 18, according to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Huddle Up: Evan Royster was unimpressive when he got the starting nod in Washington's first preseason game, but he will get another shot with Helu out of commission. Helu's injury woes continue, making him a risky pick in the early part of a draft.

Posted: 6/9/2012 12:39am et

Washington Redskins RBs Roy Helu (hamstring) and Evan Royster (groin) did not participate in organized team activities Thursday, June 7, because of injuries.

Huddle Up: Helu was nursing a hamstring injury and Royster was bothered by a groin injury. All their absence did was give Mike Shanahan an opportunity to test-drive a few more backs you've never heard of so he can plug them into the Redskins' lineup at the least opportune moment for your fantasy squad. Antwon Bailey or Lennon Creer, anyone?