The Washington Redskins have announced that running back Tim Hightower will be back for another season.

Hightower, who turns 26 next week, has had a productive career for the Arizona Cardinals and the Redskins thus far but missed a significant chunk of last year with a torn ACL. He started just five games during the 2011 season, amassing 84 carries for 321 yards and one touchdown.

A native of Alexandria, Va., Hightower attended the University of Richmond and loves playing for the Redskins in his backyard. The former fifth-round draft pick visited with the New England Patriots last month, but no deal was made and he had been eyeing a return to Washington all along.

Hightower’s rehab from the ACL injury is currently progressing as scheduled. There’s a good chance he starts for the Redskins this fall.

The New England Patriots are giving their offense a major overhaul this spring — after already signing a power trio of wide receivers in Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez and Donte Stallworth, the Pats now turn their attention to the backfield. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports they’ve got their eyes on a couple of big names:

Patriots hosted visits Friday with Packers free-agent RB Ryan Grant and Redskins free-agent RB Tim Hightower, per league sources.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2012

Grant, 29, was a standout back for the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and ’09 but has been limited since — he battled injuries in 2010 and made just 134 carries for 559 yards in 2011. He is currently a free agent.

Hightower rose to semi-stardom with the Arizona Cardinals before being traded to the Washington Redskins last summer. He too had a down year in 2011, gaining just 321 yards on 84 carries.

The Patriots have a clear need for a running back — BenJarvus Green-Ellis, their leading rusher last season with 667 yards on the ground, signed a month ago with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Washington Redskins plan to re-sign running back Tim Hightower, according to the Washington Times.

“We’re trying to re-sign Hightower,” head coach Mike Shanahan said. “You’re just hoping that he comes back full speed from his knee with the ACL. But, yeah, he’s a potential starter on our football team.”

Shanahan believes that Hightower is a strong fit for the teams outside zone running scheme because of his vision, and ability to explode up the field.

Hightower, who is turning 26, had 321 yards and one touchdown on 84 carries last season. He tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season that ended up sidelining him for the remainder the season last year. His rehabilitation is on schedule and he should be ready to compete in the fall.

“It looks like he’ll be back full speed ready to go,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan also noted that the Redskins would be looking to add five or six running backs to their roster for preseason.