The Facts: The Redskins and Giants have both had exploratory talks regarding the services of Hightower, who last played for the Redskins during the 2012 preseason, two people with knowledge of the situation said. It wasn’t immediately clear how serious the Redskins’ interest is, but the Giants held talks with Hightower earlier this month and were expected to meet with him again “in a couple weeks,” one person said.

Diehards Line: As Washington Post staffer Mike Jones reminded readers, the Redskins acquired Hightower via trade from the Arizona Cardinals in the summer of 2011, and he opened the season as their starting running back. But he tore his ACL in the fifth game of the season. In five games, Hightower had 84 carries for 321 yards and a touchdown. He also had 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. ... At this point, the Redskins are looking for a running back who could be used to spell starter Alfred Morris, particularly on third downs. Hightower excelled both in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield. Washington, however, is hoping to get Roy Helu back from a toe injury that forced him to miss the bulk of last season and has continued to slow him this offseason. The team has third-year pro Evan Royster on the roster, and just drafted a pair of running backs, Florida State’s Chris Thompson and Rutgers’s Jawan Jamison. The Giants, meanwhile, are looking for help at running back with Ahmad Bradshaw no longer with the team and with second-year pro David Wilson and Andre Brown expected to battle for starting duties.