Hightower gained nine yards on four carries and one yard on one reception in Sunday's season opening loss to the Raiders. He played only 10 of the Saints' 69 offensive snaps, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Even with C.J. Spiller a healthy inactive in Week 1, Hightower saw only four carries in relief of Mark Ingram, with Travaris Cadet (26 snaps) 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 still probably receive the majority of the carries, but unlike last year, Cadet (or Spiller) would play a more significant role in the passing game.