National Football League

Hightower expected to start for 'Skins

Published Aug. 27, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

While the Washington Redskins quarterback race has kept everyone on tenterhooks, the running back competition has become a one-man show.

Tim Hightower has separated himself from the pack and is all but certain to be the starter for the regular season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 11.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Saturday he isn't ready to announce Hightower has the job yet, but says ''if you were betting in Vegas, you'd probably bet in that direction.''

Hightower was acquired in a trade with Arizona after the lockout. He is averaging 6.8 yards per carry in preseason.

He was expected to compete against Ryan Torain for starting position, but Torain has yet to play because of a broken hand.