Hightower rushed for 11 yards on four carries in Sunday's win over San Diego.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower's role has remained consistent, a modest three to five touches per game. What's worth noting is the play of those around him. Mark Ingram remains the top back, but fullback John Kuhn had a season-high five touches on Sunday and rookie halfback Daniel Lasco got his first looks of the season - five carries for 19 yards. With only so many balls to go around, it'll be worth watching whether Lasco and Kuhn continue to get touches and whether they come at the expense of Ingram or Hightower.

Hightower gained nine yards on three carries in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

According to Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Hightower played only three snaps in Week 2 and received a carry on each of them. While Travaris Cadet continues to see more playing time as the team's backfield receiving option, Cadet did not receive a single carry in Week 2. Hightower will have little fantasy value so long as starting running back Mark Ingram is healthy, but Hightower remains the best bet to carry the backfield load should Ingram miss any time this year.

Hightower gained nine yards on four carries and one yard on one reception in Sunday's season opening loss to the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

Even with C.J. Spiller a healthy inactive in Week 1, Hightower saw only four carries in relief of Mark Ingram, with Travaris Cadet getting most of the third-down snaps. When Ingram was sidelined at the end of last season, Hightower served as the Saints' three-down workhorse -- racking up nice yards on the ground and through the air. However, if Week 1 is any indication, should Ingram miss time this season, it appears that Hightower would probably receive the majority of the carries, but unlike last year, Cadet (or Spiller) would play a more significant role in the passing game.

Hightower gained 24 yards on eight carries in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens and, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Hightower is still likely second in line for carries behind Mark Ingram once the regular season begins.

EDGE Analysis

With Hightower looking pedestrian this preseason, there was some chatter that his roster spot could be in jeopardy. However, the 30-year-old veteran tailback had a better night than his stats suggest, and his performance appears to have restored confidence among Saints' beat reporters that he will once again be Ingram's top backup. As such, should Ingram get injured, Hightower would likely see the bulk of the carries, but C.J. Spiller, who is looking much improved this preseason, would also get some more work.

Hightower gained 27 yards on eight carries and eight yards on one reception in Friday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower was the fourth Saints running back to get a touch, as the team's early gameplan included a bunch of short passes to C.J. Spiller and Travaris Cadet. No matter, Hightower is expected to serve as Ingram's top backup, though the role probably won't include work on passing downs, which was part of his appeal late last season. In the event of an Ingram injury, both Hightower and Spiller would likely get more work.

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.

Hightower rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and added 41 yards on five catches in Sunday's win over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to November, Hightower hadn't played in a competitive football game since 2011. After the kind of production he put together to close the season, there may be plenty more games in his future. Hightower averaged 114 total yards and a touchdown during the season's final four games for a Saints backfield riddled by injuries. Hightower will be 30 by the start of the 2016 season, but his ability to pound the line of scrimmage and catch the ball out of the backfield should be good enough to earn him a supporting role next season.

Hightower ran for 122 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns and caught all three of his targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 37-28 win over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Over the last three games, Hightower has touched the ball quite a bit, and has been extremely productive, especially for a player that was out of the league for three seasons. In fact, his 76 touches over the last three weeks is more than injured starter Mark Ingram (shoulder) ever got in any three-game span this year. The veteran RB has another favorable matchup in the season finale at Atlanta in Week 17.

Hightower rushed 13 times for 54 yards and caught three passes (on four targets) for 31 yards in Monday's loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower once again enjoyed the bulk of the Saints' backfield work, but with the Saints behind big early Monday, he wasn't afforded anywhere close to the 28 carries he saw in Week 14. Nonetheless, Hightower's 4.2 yards per carry Monday marked an improvement, and he also made a contribution in the passing game with three catches. Given that involvement, Hightower figures to maintain commendable late season value heading into Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Hightower received a "Mark Ingram-like snap count" in the Saints' win in Tampa Bay on Sunday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower assumed the role of the Saints' featured tailback, playing 58 of the team's 82 snaps (71 percent) against the Buccaneers, while C.J. Spiller remained in his sparse role with 15 snaps (18 percent). Hightower only averaged three yards per carry against a stout Tampa Bay run defense, but his usage was sky-high, as he toted the ball a whopping 28 times. Although the Saints' Week 15 opponent, Detroit, has played pretty well defensively over the last month, as the de facto bell cow running back in New Orleans, Hightower should merit starting consideration in many fantasy leagues.