[JoeRedskin]

As to running back, I think Royster has made the most of his chances. Not sure if he played with the first team but I think he has done well in his blocking assignments and catching passes out of the backfield. I initially wrote him off as "pedestrian" also but think his pedestrian play has outperformed Helu's sloppy play.

No, he is not a potential "playmaker," but he is a potential "yard-getter/block-maker" which is more than you can say for Helu at this point. I don't know what's been happening in practice but it seems to me that Royster has gotten more snaps than an afterthought should. It's hard to say goodbye to Helu's potential speed but it's not like we don't have speed elsewhere. If we need the yards, need the blitz picked up, who do you trust more based on what you have seen so far in preseason: Helu or Royster? I'm thinking Royster. I say that fully understanding his limitations. Still, better to move the chains and preserve the opportunity for someone to make a big play than to blow the read/block/run and punt away.

I really think Royster has a shot and that he is in a competition with Helu - one or the other makes it. Similarly, Thompson and Seastrunk are an either or duo also. One makes it, one goes to our PS - although if Thompson doesn't make it, he may just be cut outright. I think Redd is PS material this year.

Just how I am seeing it right now. Before training camp, I thought Helu a lock and Royster a goner. Just not as sure of that right now. I think Royster had a long way to go to even make it a competition but that he has done just that.

I will still be surprised if Royster makes it and Helu is cut - just not shocked. Also, if Helu is cut, I bet he is claimed pretty damn quick. Not so for Royster.