Evan Royster looms as the favorite to start in a crowded Washington Redskins backfield that's long on names, but short on a clear-cut leader.
Royster won't have a chance to further that argument Saturday when the Redskins host the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year back has been ruled out with knee soreness, coach Mike Shanahan told John Keim of the Washington Examiner.
Shanahan said Royster's knee became "quite sore" earlier in the week, but it's unclear when the injury occurred. An MRI came back negative and the Redskins insist Royster could suit up for a regular-season game.
Roy Helu returned to practice Wednesday, but he won't play against the Colts, either. That means Tim Hightower should see plenty of carries, while rookie Alfred Morris has a chance to continue his impressive summer.
We don't delve into much fantasy advice here, but this backfield continues to be one of the NFL's most frustrating position groups. It's a clown car of backs in Washington, both in the fantasy realm -- and here in real life.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
