The Washington Redskins normally use this time of year, when Free Agency is winding down, to gauge possible veteran backup players or value pickups. They also tend to take a look at players they might pick up further down the road. Today the franchise brought in one such player as the team had running back Tim Hightower in for a visit. While no offer was made, the team has obvious interests in the former Redskins back.
Redskins fans will likely remember Hightower from his time in burgundy and gold just a few years back, before injuries took their toll on the now 30-year-old.
Hightower has ties to the local ‘DMV’ area being born in Waldorf, Maryland, going to high school in Alexandria, Virginia, and then college at the University of Richmond.
Injuries virtually killed what was once a promising career
Hightower (6-0, 220 pounds) was signed by the team back before the 2011 season, as he was viewed as a perfect fit for then-coach Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. Hightower was coming off of a knee injury after being released by Arizona. Just five games into that 2011 season he suffered a torn ACL, and was placed on injured reserve. What came next was perhaps the toughest possible thing a player can deal with. Hightower somehow contracted a post-surgery infection that was so severe that it caused him to be completely out of football for three years.
Hightower returned to the league in 2015 when the New Orleans Saints gave him a shot. He carried the ball 133 times for 548 yards, and added 22 receptions for 200 yards. Hightower has also visited the 49ers.
Washington could use a good veteran back
It’s unknown as of now if the Redskins will even add another running back. The team currently has five options on the roster that are under the age of 26.
They could possibly look to add a back via free agency with some experience, and Hightower would certainly fit that, although his durability will always be in question.
In 45 career starts Hightower has rushed the ball 752 times for 2977 yards and 32 touchdowns, while catching 162 passes for 1208 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving.
