Tim Hightower, not C.J. Spiller will get the bulk of the workload in the Saints' backfield with Mark Ingram on injured reserve.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's GameDay Morning that the Saints will utilize Hightower in place of an injured Ingram, mainly because of their similar running styles.
Hightower has just 12 attempts for 48 yards on the season. Prior to joining the Saints this season, Hightower last played five games in 2011. The 29-year-old back had his best season in 2010 with the Arizona Cardinals (736 yards on 153 rushes -- 4.8 yards per carry).
Turning to Hightower says a lot about what the Saints think about Spiller. Rapoport reported that Spiller's role as a part-time change-of-pace back is unlikely to change.
The future of the free-agent pickup beyond the last four games of 2015 is even more precarious. Being passed over for a guy picked up off the streets in November is troubling.
"From what I am told, he struggled to grasp this offense -- something which was never the problem for him in Buffalo," Rapoport said. "They doubt some of the explosiveness that he has. At this point it seems to be a longshot that Spiller is on the Saints' team in 2016."
Spiller signed a four-year, $16 million contract, with $9 million guaranteed, this offseason. The 28-year-old has just 31 carries on the year, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He hasn't had more than eight totes in a game.
A lot of changes should take place in New Orleans this offseason, including the likelihood of Spiller being jettisoned.
