Hightower, 30, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He played college football at Richmond. The running back has also spent time with the Washington Redskins and even played a game for the Blacktips of the Fall Experimental Football League in November of 2014.
What's the Kyle Shanahan connection? Hightower played one season (2011) in Shanahan's offense while the 49ers head coach was the offensive coordinator in Washington.
In 2015, Hightower joined the Saints after three years away from the NFL following a torn ACL and infection. Over the past two seasons – both with New Orleans – Hightower has played in 24 games and started four. In those games, he has carried the football 229 times for 923 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. The backup running back was considered to be a leader in the Saints locker room.
Over his NFL career, Hightower has carried the football 752 times for 2,977 yards and 32 touchdowns. He has also racked up 162 receptions for 1,208 yards and two touchdowns over that timeframe.
In a November 6 game against the 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Hightower carried the football 23 times for 87 yards and a touchdown in a 41-23 Saints victory.
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