Hightower was seen trying out for the Saints during their minicamp Tuesday, Nick Underhill of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

EDGE Analysis

With starting running back Mark Ingram out for the first four games of the regular season due to a suspension, the Saints may be looking to bring in a veteran tailback to help shoulder the workload. Hightower last played in the NFL in 2016 for New Orleans, where he appeared in all 16 games and rushed for 548 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints are also brining in Jamaal Charles on Wednesday for a potential tryout.

The 49ers released Hightower on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Early in training camp, there were some inklings that Hightower was vying for reps with the first-team offense over Carlos Hyde, but the cream rose to the top throughout the preseason, leaving Hyde in his expected role and the top reserve RB spot to undrafted free agent Matt Breida. At 31 years of age, Hightower may be reaching the end of the line as a viable professional.

Hightower had eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown and two catches for two four yards on two targets in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower may be competing for one roster spot against Raheem Mostert, who was held out of Thursday's game after piling up 130 yards and two touchdowns on six touches the previous week. Hightower didn't make much of a case this preseason, gaining 20 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown and a lost fumble. Even if he were to stick with the team, he'd likely be no higher than third on the running back depth chart. Rookies Matt Breida and Joe Williams figure to serve as Carlos Hyde's backups.

Hightower may be on the roster bubble, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlos Hyde and 2017 fourth-round pick Joe Williams entered camp as rosters locks, and undrafted rookie Matt Breida has made a strong push for a spot. Hightower may be competing again Raheem Mostert for one roster spot, with the battle potentially playing out during Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers. Even if he does end up making the team, Hightower won't necessarily have a Week 1 role on offense.

Hightower did not see the field in Sunday's preseason loss to the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been alternating starts with his backup running backs this preseason, so expect Hightower to receive a heavy workload in Thursday's exhibition finale against the Chargers. The 31-year-old projects to be in the mix as one of Carlos Hyde's primary backups once the games begin to count.

Hightower (knee) logged his first game action as a 49er on Saturday, carrying the ball three times for a loss of one and fumbling once in a preseason loss to Denver.

EDGE Analysis

San Francisco went down early and only controlled the ball for 21 minutes, so Hightower wasn't afforded many opportunities to showcase his abilities. On a positive note, the 31-year-old was healthy enough to suit up after missing last week's contest with a minor knee ailment. Carlos Hyde is clearly the 49ers' top running back option after receiving all of the first-team carries in both preseason contests, leaving Hightower to compete with Joe Williams for meaningful backup touches this season.

Hightower (knee) was held out of action in Friday's preseason opener against Kansas City, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran running back has been dealing with a minor knee injury and it was bothering him enough to keep him sidelined for Week 1 of the preseason. The 49ers haven't provided specifics in regard the the severity of the injury, but Hightower's participation in practice this upcoming week should give us a better of idea when he is expected to make his debut in red and gold. The 31-year-old is currently listed as the primary backup to Carlos Hyde, but he will have to fend of rookie Joe Williams for touches as the regular season approaches.

Hightower (knee) was back on the practice field Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

His injury wasn't expected to hinder Hightower too long, and it's a good sign that he's back on the field. The 31-year-old will continue to share snaps with Carlos Hyde, especially since Hightower is a more skilled pass catcher than Hyde. The 49ers play in Kansas City on Friday night.

Hightower (knee) is not practicing Monday and is considered day-to-day going forward, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower left early from practice last Thursday and was subsequently absent from Friday's session with what was termed as a 'veteran's day off.' Now, it appears the veteran is actually working his way through a knee ailment, but given the day-to-day prognosis, it seems Hightower's situation is little to worry about.

Hightower has looked good through the first week of training camp, but Carlos Hyde also has impressed and is putting himself in good position to retain the starting job, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Of the three players competing for serious roles, rookie Joe Williams apparently is the only one struggling. Meanwhile, Hyde seems to be back at full strength and taking a liking to coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme, but the fourth-year back doesn't have a strong record as a pass catcher, which should help Hightower in his own bid for a major role. As things stand, Hightower is the favorite for the No. 2 job and also for the role as the primary passing down back. Williams does still have plenty of time to push for work with the start of the preseason a week away.