Hightower gained 69 yards on 12 carries and hauled in eight of nine targets for 57 yards in Thursday's 23-20 loss to the Panthers.
Hightower took on the clear lead back role Thursday after Mark Ingram left the game in the third quarter with a concussion. He was also highly impressive in the passing game, tallying a season-high eight receptions. Hightower could be in line for a considerable workload against the Rams in Week 12 if Ingram is sidelined, particularly given his proficiency through the air in addition to his solid work on the ground.