Redskins Notebook: RB Alfred Morris excels in starting role

The night was about the rookie QB matchup, with Robert Griffin III facing Andrew Luck. Both quarterbacks had their share of moments, too, in the Washington Redskins’ 30-17 victory.

Griffin completed 11 of 17 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. He looked more comfortable in the pocket than a week ago vs. Chicago. Griffin converted two third downs with his arm and one with his legs.

“Getting in the flow of the game,” Griffin said.

But it was hard to ignore what Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick from Florida Atlantic, was able to do. With Roy Helu and Evan Royster both out with injuries and Tim Hightower playing for the first time this summer, Morris got the start. He responded with 107 yards on 14 carries against a subpar Indianapolis Colts’ defense. He’s consistently displayed excellent body lean and the ability to make tacklers miss. He’s not explosive, but he has been effective. And he was pleased with his all-around game.

“I picked up all my blitzes -- I missed a big one last game,” Morris said. “I ran hard and we won, so that’s what it’s all about.”

Royster is expected back soon, but Helu’s status remains uncertain and Hightower’s role could be limited for a while thanks to his November ACL surgery. That means Morris might not only make the roster but contend for a Week 1 start.

“I never thought I would be getting this many carries or this much action so soon,” he said. “I’m going to keep making the decision hard on them.”

Three up

WR Dezmon Briscoe: He finished with two catches for 49 yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass. Briscoe’s size makes a difference and provides a good target for the quarterbacks. He’s in a tight race, but he continues to show steady progress.

LB Chris Wilson: He received playing time with the starters, alternating with Rob Jackson with Brian Orakpo sidelined. Wilson delivered, showing his speed and a little bit of strength on his rushes. He finished with a sack for a safety and three hurries.

S Tanard Jackson: He was active and all over the place in the first half, starting for injured strong safety Brandon Meriweather. Jackson’s best spot is free safety and if he can stay healthy, then the Redskins have a chance to have two athletic safeties (albeit with question marks).

Three down

FS Madieu Williams: He was beaten by rookie T.Y. Hilton on a 31-yard touchdown pass, falling for an out and up. Williams has played well since camp opened, but he lacks speed in the deep end. Williams has worked as the No. 1 free safety all summer, but Jackson might provide more options because he’s faster.

WR Brandon Banks: This is by default because he didn’t return punts until the second half. He still has a chance to make the roster, but he hasn’t played receiver in the past two preseason games after struggling in the first. Also, Niles Paul returned the opening kickoff 42 yards. Of course, maybe Banks takes it further. Santana Moss handled punt returns in the first half, taking back two for 24 yards.

WR Anthony Armstrong: In a tight competition, he needs to do a little more to separate himself from the pack. Armstrong, getting his first real action of the preseason, caught one pass for 15 yards. He is an excellent gunner but didn’t do a whole lot in that role vs. the Colts. Armstrong can help, so this might not be a death sentence for him, but it wasn’t a great night.

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.