Roy Helu: Washington Redskins Place RB on IR Due to Toe Injury

Tough news for the Washington Redskins: Running back Roy Helu has been placed on injured reserve with turf toe.

The Redskins officially announced the move via the team's Twitter account:

"

#Redskins announce the signing of former Packers RB Ryan Grant. In corresponding move, team place RB Roy Helu. Jr. on IR.

— Redskins (@Redskins) September 26, 2012"

Although some reports suggested Helu had an Achilles injury, he told Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan it was in fact turf toe.

"

Roy Helu said turf-toe, and not his Achilles issues, landed him on IR. Said he was never able to practice full speed since camp. #Redskins

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 26, 2012"

While this move certainly hurts the depth the team has at running back, it's unlikely it will seriously affect the team's success on the field. Rookie Alfred Morris has been a revelation, while Evan Royster has looked as though he was the second choice on the depth chart.

From a fantasy perspective, this makes Morris all the more valuable, and a safer option as well. Head coach Mike Shanahan has a habit of recycling running backs throughout the season and thus capping the fantasy value of any backs on the depth chart.

But Morris has been so good to start the season that I don't see that happening—at least not anytime soon. Royster will get some touches, but Morris remains the man for now.

This is tough news for Helu, no doubt about that, especially considering many thought he was the front-runner to win the starting gig this season. Indeed, we wish him all the best in his recovery.

The Redskins certainly lost some depth, but they shouldn't be too adversely affected by this injury. Well, as long as Morris keeps producing, that is.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets wouldn't allow fake Golden Tate touchdowns to stand.