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.
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: McCaffrey limited; Kittle, Bosa miss practice
By David Bonilla
Nov 13
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 11 contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward remains away from the team following the passing of his daughter, but head coach Kyle Shanahan...
Deebo Samuel reveals why Brock Purdy was upset after 49ers-Buccaneers
By David Bonilla
Nov 13
The San Francisco 49ers earned a hard-fought victory on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season and improving their record to 5-4. During the plane ride back to California, wide receiver Deebo Samuel walked by a visibly...
Brock Purdy gains security blanket with return of 49ers playmaker
By David Bonilla
9 hrs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is enjoying another impressive season, already throwing for 2,454 yards. Fresh off a 353-yard game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he looks to build on that momentum with a game-winning performance this weekend against the Seattle...
"It's all hands on deck": How the bye week benefitted Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, and the 49ers
By David Bonilla
Nov 7
Deebo Samuel got a chance to enjoy Halloween with his family, taking his son Tyshun trick-or-treating. For the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, the bye week came at the perfect time, offering a much-needed break as the 4-4 team heads into the second half of the season.
Now...
