Aug 25, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower (25) runs the ball forward while Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea (41) grabs from behind during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple sources, the Washington Redskins have inquired about re-signing running back Tim Hightower. Hightower was brought in from Arizona via trade in 2011 where he earned a role as the starting tailback. His 2011 season was cut short however, when he ruptured his ACL in a Week 5 game against Carolina. He attempted to make a comeback during the 2012 preseason, but suffered a set back after attempting to play against the Colts. The team released him before the season began.

It is unknown how serious the Redskins are about bringing back Hightower. Several other teams, including the New York Giants, have opened up communication lines with Hightower’s agent. His case is a difficult one for Washington’s front office. Hightower was impressive during his short time with the Redskins, winning the starting job outright in 2011. He rushed for 321 yards on 84 carries, and provided a versatility out of the backfield catching passes as well. At 26, Hightower may still have legs for the NFL despite his injury.

However, his extended time out of the league is cause for concern. The Washington backfield is crowded already with Alfred Morris, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, and draft picks Jawan Jamison and Chris Thompson under contract. Hightower may be a better option than a couple of these backs, but his injury and price tag may be too high for the cash-strapped Redskins. Additionally, he would have to learn a new offensive scheme, as the zone-read was not in place during the 2011 season.

If the price tag is right, the Redskins should certainly explore bringing back the talented Richmond tailback. However, running back is currently one of the deepest spots on the Washington depth chart. After selecting two running backs in the 2013 NFL Draft, it seems more likely that Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen will go in another direction for a change-of-pace back.

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan along the sidelines during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

For as long as Robert Griffin III has been the quarterback, Mike Shanahan has been dogged by the same nagging question: Are he and Griffin on the same page? More specifically, does Shanahan place a higher value on protecting the star of the franchise than winning? This question was pushed to the background during the final two months of the season as the Redskins produced a miraculous winning streak to capture the NFC East and secure a playoff bid. But as RG3 lay crumpled on the FedEx Field mud during the playoff game against Seattle, the question resurfaced louder than ever. Despite the many feel good stories of Griffin’s knee rehab during the off-season, it’s clear that the coach-quarterback relationship has not been fully addressed.

Washington Post columnist (and former Redskins beat writer) Jason Reid discussed this issue on Thursday with Lavar Arrington and Chad Dukes. Based on his inside knowledge of the team, there are problems still to be ironed out:

“The situation has to be straightened out. Let’s put it that way. They don’t have to love each other, but they have to be on the same page. And I don’t think it’s a big stretch by what we’ve seen so far publicly, to say that there are clearly questions as to whether or not they’re on the same page.”

This damning quote is in response to tweets sent by RG3 to ESPN’s Trey Wingo in March. Griffin asserted that, “I know where my responsibility is within the dilemma that led to me having surgery to repair my knee, and all parties involved know their responsibilities as well.” Griffin clearly placed significant blame on Shanahan for the injury. Reid believes this is still a problem for the organization.

There are countless examples of Shanahan taking unnecessary risks with the health of his quarterback. Before the final injury during the playoff game, there were clear signs that Griffin was in debilitating pain. Yet Shanahan did not bench Griffin, and even called a quarterback keeper that saw RG3 hobble to the sideline on one leg. Even before the playoffs there were questions. Why were the Redskins so slow to diagnose a concussion in an October game against the Falcons? Why did Kyle Shanahan call so many veer option plays that left RG3 exposed to NFL defenses? Why did Mike Shanahan wait until the end of the season to suggest that RG3 needs to learn how to slide? These examples provide evidence to the question of whether Shanahan has been too risky with his quarterback. The question that is much more difficult to answer is, In what ways has Shanahan actually protected RG3?

Locker room dynamics are often overblown in the media. However, the relationship between Robert Griffin III and the Shanahans is a critical one for the future of the Redskins. If Griffin is to continue putting his well-being into the hands of his coaches, he needs to trust that they have his best interest at heart. At the moment, that does not appear to be the case.

Oct 6, 2012 Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Chris Thompson (4) carries the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Rodman Noel defends in the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, the Washington Redskins signed fifth-round draft pick Chris Thompson to a four-year rookie contract. The team tweeted out a picture of the Florida State running back signing his official deal. The team then announced this morning that it has also come to terms with seventh round selection Jawan Jamison from Rutgers. Both players will now enter the competition to become the back-up to Alfred Morris. Evan Royster and Roy Helu remain on the Redskins roster.

Thompson is the most explosive of the four backs, averaging over seven yards a carry in college. However, his collegiate career has been plagued with injuries. Thompson is currently rehabbing from reconstructive surgery of his ACL, but has expressed a hope of participating in mini-camp starting at the end of July. Jamison is also a question mark; he had a productive career at Rutgers, but left school two years early to provide financial assistance to his family. However, in drafting two running backs, Mike Shanahan appears to be displeased with the depth currently on the roster. For this reason, Thompson and Jamison appear to have a great opportunity to find a spot on the final roster.