Shanahan Looks To Keep Backs Fresh, Healthy

AP Image Going into head coach Mike Shanahan’s first training camp in Washington, his selection at running back was a trio of aging stars  in Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker.  Parker didn’t make the team, Johnson didn’t make it for long, and Portis spent most of the season in the training room. The running game struggled with the rest of the offense, gaining only 1,461 yards on the ground. Already in 2011, Tim Hightower and Roy Helu have combined for 246 yards, which puts them on pace for more than 2,000 yards on the ground this season. While Hightower may be the primary back on the depth chart, Shanahan explained that Helu has a defined role in this offense. “What I think you’ll see throughout the year–not just at the running back position, but at the wide receiver position and tight end position as well,” he said, “is that sometimes people get tired.” I’ve heard that this happens at other positions as well, but no con...