Redskins: Ryan Grant takes over for Roy Helu at running back

Roy Helu played despite a sore Achilles', but turf toe forced the Redskins to put him on injured reserve. (Getty Images)

The Redskins added veteran RB Ryan Grant to replace Roy Helu, who was put on injured reserve after suffering a turf toe injury.

Washington needed a back to replace Helu, and Grant fit the need. He has experience in the stretch-zone offense from his days in Green Bay.

“His running style fits with what we do,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “He's big and fast and has some experience."

Grant is also productive. In five seasons with the Packers he gained 4,016 yards.

"He's a very sharp kid," Shanahan said. "He picks things up quickly. In a couple weeks he could learn the system fairly quickly and help us.”

The Redskins considered signing Tim Hightower, who played for them last season and was cut this summer. The team backed off because Hightower's knee is not 100 percent.

Helu was dealing with sore Achilles all training camp, but turf toe did him end. Without Helu the Redskins lose their most dynamic open field runner. He was also adept on screens and consistent in protections. But he never displayed the burst he had last year because of injuries.

“I want to get to the point where I don't have a hitch in my step or I don't have to think about it when playing football,” Helu said. “A lot of guys play with that and it's part of the business in the NFL. When it gets to the point where it's almost unmanageable, then a decision like this has to be made.”

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.