The Redskins have found their new offensive weapon in running back Chris Thompson.

The diminutive scat back already has three touchdowns this season, despite touching the football just 13 times through two games. Thompson had three carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Rams.

While Thompson has looked like Washington's best offensive weapon early this season, coach Jay Gruden doesn't want to wear him out too quickly. Even if starting running back Rob Kelley is forced to miss this week's game with a rib injury, Thompson will likely keep his same role.

"He's so important to us on third down we just have to be careful," Gruden said of Thompson, via ESPN.com. "He's not the biggest guy in the world. We don't want him to get 20-25 carries a game and get a lot of pounding on that body. He's definitely needed in pass protection and the routes and all that stuff on third down and red zone. So we'll try to expand his role a little bit, but we don't want to go too crazy with him."

Thompson will likely be among the top waiver-wire targets this week after his lightening-quick start to the season. However, if he's not handed more consistent work out of the backfield, his touchdowns could be considered fluky.

If Kelley is out Sunday, rookie Samaje Perine will likely handle early down work with Thompson entering the game on third down. Gruden did mention Thompson in the red zone, though, which does bode well for his scoring opportunities moving forward.

Thompson should be especially appealing in points-per-reception leagues due to his speed and adept route running out of the backfield.

Like many teams in today's NFL, the Redskins use a different running back for almost every situation. Still, Kelley, when healthy, and Thompson are both prudent fantasy plays moving forward.