Washington Redskins Reportedly Signing Veteran RB Ryan Grant

Apparently Mike Shanahan and the Washington Redskins don't already have enough running backs. 

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the 'Skins are reportedly on the verge of signing former Packers RB Ryan Grant:

"

RB Ryan Grant is signing with the Redskins after mulling offers from multiple teams. Worked out for Bears today before deciding

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 25, 2012"

Let's take a look at this intriguing development. 

What it Means

This is strictly a depth move. 

While the Redskins certainly have a slew of running backs taking up space on the depth chart, Roy Helu has turf toe and Evan Royster has a strained patella tendon. Both are day-to-day.

Washington's backfield may have seemed more crowded than a Boston Red Sox bandwagon at the beginning of this season, but all of a sudden, no one besides Alfred Morris is healthy or producing.

Enter Ryan Grant, who likely came for cheap after failing to sign with anyone following his 559-yard season with the Packers last year. 

Grant is a solid veteran who has two 1,000-yard seasons and a career 4.3-yard-per-carry average under his belt. The former Notre Dame star makes for an ideal backup, and nothing else at this point. 

What's Next

For now, Alfred Morris is still the starter. He's looked terrific through the first three games of the season and has yet to make a mistake that has put him in Shanahan's famous doghouse. 

Why mess with something that's working so well right now?

Grant is unlikely to upset fantasy owners who are depending on Morris, but with Helu and Royster unhealthy, he could quickly jump to No. 2 on the depth chart.

Don't expect this move to change Washington's offense at all. It simply gives the Redskins yet another dependable fall-back option. 

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