There are numerous position competitions offering some level of intrigue, but one particular player that I can’t seem to let go of is running back Tim Hightower. The 49ers signed the veteran to a one-year deal in April. He was brought in to be a complementary option to Carlos Hyde, and soon was competing with Matt Breida, Joe Williams, Raheem Mostert, and Kapri Bibbs for work behind Hyde.
Through the first three preseason games, Hightower got 14 offensive snaps in Week 2, but did not get work in Week 1 or Week 3. A lack of playing time would suggest a guy about to get cut, but Kyle Shanahan acknowledged on Monday that, “we’ve got a pretty good idea of what Tim can do.” He said that Hightower should get more carries in Thursday’s preseason finale.
“Tim definitely should get some more carries here on Thursday. I have a great feel for Tim. I’ve coached him before, got to play against him the last two years with him being in New Orleans. I see what he does in practice every day. I’ve seen him in NFL games. The game is not too big for him. It’s unfortunate for Tim, he’s only got two opportunities, which is always tough because you’d love to show everyone who’s watching on T.V. and show your fans and stuff. But, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what Tim can do. That’s why we’ve brought him here. Definitely going to give him more opportunities Thursday. He’s definitely in this mix. We just had a bunch of guys that we haven’t seen before and we’ve had to get some of these rookies more opportunities because you never know what you’ve got with them until you see them in NFL games.”
It would not be shocking to see him get cut, but given how the 49ers have handled veteran players this year, it would seem like he would be cut already if he was unlikely to make the final roster. Shanahan said the team will make some cuts before Thursday to unload players who won’t play in that final preseason game, and are not expected to make the roster. It would appear Hightower will not be one of those cuts.
I’ve included a poll, as I am curious how many people think Hightower will remain on the roster.