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Tim Hightower spent some time with the Patriots last week, but that doesn’t mean he’s off the radar in Washington.

Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports that the Redskins remain in play for the running back’s services. Hightower joined the team in a trade before last season and ran for 321 yards on 84 carries before his season ended with a torn ACL. The injury will limit the amount of offseason work that Hightower will be able to do and, likely, slow down the timetable for him to find a team.

Roy Helu and Evan Royster each had strong peroformances after Hightower’s injury, but there’s still room for another back on the roster. The Redskins ran through four different starters last season — Ryan Torain was the other — and Mike Shanahan has never shied away from having options in the backfield.

Given that the Redskins will be going with a rookie quarterback, having an experienced tailback possibility might be particularly appealing with Helu and Royster still developing. Hightower’s also a strong receiver, something that would add some versatility to the Washington offense next season.