Hightower gained two yards on four carries and 22 yards on two receptions (five targets) in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower, Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller split snaps throughout the first half, mostly facing New England's second-team defense. While it was odd for Ingram to get so much playing time, there's no reason to think his role as the lead back is in any danger. Hightower does have quite a bit of handcuff appeal, as seen over the final four weeks of last season.