The 49ers released Hightower on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
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 with the top reserve RB spot going to undrafted free agent Matt Breida. At 31 years of age, Hightower may be reaching the end of the line as a viable professional.