Roy Helu

Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan declined to say Friday which of his tailbacks will start Sunday’s season opener at New Orleans.

“Not yet,” Shanahan said. “Keep them guessing.”

There are signs that rookie Alfred Morris is likely to get the starting nod over second-year pros Evan Royster and Roy Helu.

Several people with knowledge of the situation said they believe Morris is the probable starter but they didn’t know if a final decision had been made.

Morris, a sixth-round draft choice in April from Florida Atlantic, was a standout during the preseason while Royster and Helu were slowed at times by injuries. But Royster and Helu had some success last season and give the Redskins more experience at the position.

No matter which back is named the starter, it's not all that great of a matchup against the Saints on the road. Chances are, the running game will be limited if the Skins fall behind and have to play catch-up. We have Helu ranked 54th, Royster 46th, and Morris 61st.