Robert Griffin III won’t be the only rookie in the Redskins’ backfield when they take their first offensive snap at 1:00 in New Orleans.
According to Dan Hellie of NBC4, the Redskins will start sixth-round draft pick Alfred Morris at running back.
Morris, out of Florida-Atlantic, led the team in rushing during the preseason with 195 yards and he apparently clinched the starting job with a strong performance against the Colts in the third preseason game. Playing a little over a half against mostly starters, Morris displayed speed and power as he picked up 107 yards on 14 carries.
When the team reported to training camp in late July it looked like Morris faced long odds against even making the team. The Redskins returned Roy Helu Jr., their 2011 leading rusher, Evan Royster, who finished off the year strong with 100-yard performances in each of the last two games, and Tim Hightower, the lead back last year until he injured his knee in October.
But Morris played too well for the team to try to sneak him onto the practice squad. Hightower ended up being released and it looks like Morris will get the starts.
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