Washington Redskins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Torain Can Push for No. 1 Spot

Often-injured running back Ryan Torain can use the Redskins' final preseason game to remind Mike Shanahan and his staff that the starting running back job is not settled just yet.

Shanahan gave a clear indication recently that newly-acquired Tim Hightower is the favourite to open the season as the leading runner.

When the Redskins entertain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday evening, the notoriously brittle Torain needs to show Shanahan that the choice may not be so clear cut.

Having recovered from the hand injury that has blighted his preseason preparations, Torain is likely to see playing time against the Buccaneers.

Torain impressed at times during the Redskins' frustrating 6-10 campaign. He led the team in rushing with 742 yards at a respectable 4.5 yards per carry, and produced some particularly impressive displays.

On the road against the defensively stout Chicago Bears in Week 7, Torain rumbled for 125 yards. His quick cuts and deceptive power enabled him to either run around or straight over would-be Bears tacklers.

Later in the season Torain racked up 172 yards in a losing cause against tomorrow night's opponents. Torain will need to deliver a similarly strong performance against the Buccaneers this time around.

The Buccaneers' decision to rest their defensive starters for the game, could actually hinder Torain's cause.

It will be difficult for the Redskins coaches to accurately gauge the performance of any of their starters on offense, under such circumstances.

But Torain cannot afford to think like that. The 6'1", 218-pound former Arizona State product needs to do all he can to put himself back in the minds of coaches.

Having missed most of training camp and the preseason with yet another injury, Torain has seen his position come under serious threat, not only from Hightower, but also from fleet-footed rookie Roy Helu.

Shanahan's decision to trade for Hightower after taking both Helu and Evan Royster in the draft should provide Torain with all the motivation he needs to try to remain healthy.

If he can, then the former Denver Bronco could form a dangerous combination in tandem with Hightower.   

Being able to rely on two starting-calibre running backs would be a huge boost to a Redskins offense facing uncertainty at the quarterback position.