Tim Hightower, Impact Running Back For Washington Redskins?

With the injury to Ryan Williams, the training camp trade that sent Tim Hightower to the Washington Redskins for Vonnie Holliday and a conditional 2012 late-round draft could be seen as unwise. However, as it has been said numerous times, hindsight is 20-20 and it is silly to look back on a trade like that. 

While Tim Hightower was never spectacular, he certainly made a difference, despite his flaws. He is also making a difference so far as a member of the Redskins. 

Quarterback John Beck, who just may end up as Washington's 2011 starting quarterback, was on with Tony Bruno on Fox Sports Radio and commented on the contributions the former Arizona back is making. 

"It's huge. I know that our coaching staff was extremely excited to get him when they brought him in on a trade. He's done nothing but meet those expectations the entire time he has been here. Tonight in the very first drive of the game he busts off with a big one. It was huge for us and it really set the tempo for the rest of the night."

Cardinals fans know about those big gains he has ripped off in the past. Unfortunately, these big plays almost always were in losing efforts. They have also not experienced the timing of his fumbles, which inevitably come in the red zone. 

Beck's comments come just a few weeks after head coach Mike Shanahan called him nothing more than "a third-down back." 

Will Hightower lead the Washington running game? Perhaps. I certainly do not see him becoming a star in any way. However, as he left the team in good standing, I can't help but root a little bit for him, that is until the Cardinals and Redskins face each other, and then again thereafter.