Five Saints Players Stock To Watch Against Texans On Sunday

Running Back Tim Hightower

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) carries the ball past Baltimore Ravens defensive back Brynden Trawick (28) and defensive back Cassius Vaughn (40) during the third quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Hightower is trying to make a comeback in the NFL, spending several seasons away from football after being released by the Washington Redskins back in August of 2012.

I viewed Hightower as a longshot to make the roster considering the already crowded depth at running back that was capped by the acquisition of C.J. Spiller.

Special teams wasn’t a consideration for Hightower in the area of a return man since the Saints would likely utilize receiver Brandin Cooks, Spiller, or 2015 seventh round pick Marcus Murphy who excelled in that while at Missouri.

But the veteran has kept his poise throughout training camp and has done what’s asked of him even if it means he has to play the role of a short-yardage back similar to that of former Saint Mike Bell during the 2009 season.

In fact, that’s what Hightower is probably being viewed as seeing the snaps he’s been involved in during the first two preseason games where he’s had 15 total rushing attempts for 38 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry.

I can understand the thought that running back Khiry Robinson could fill that role during the season but there is one small problem…injuries.

Recently Spiller had arthroscopic knee surgery and it was reported by ESPN 100.3 New Orleans that he could possibly miss the first two weeks of the season.

Also Robinson has been absent from practice since the Patriots games with what is said to be a “minor injury” according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett.

On the latest Big Easy Blitz podcast, Who Dat Dish editor John Hendrix theorized that the Saints might actually carry five running backs on the roster instead of just four.

With the recent uncertainty and injuries at the position it’s actually quite conceivable that the Saints could do just that to make sure that there isn’t a debacle like what happened at the end of the season in 2010 and 2011 where the Saints were scrambling for backs due to injuries.

Sean Payton has said he liked the look in the eyes of Hightower before the Ravens game and continued to say last week that he was encouraged and likes that he continues to gain confidence as the weeks go by.

With no Spiller and most likely no Robinson for this Sunday, Hightower can make the theory of a five running back committee a reality.

Stock Watch: (Rising)

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