Tim Hightower becomes an above-average fantasy handcuff in San Francisco
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Here are the fantasy implications of free agent RB Tim Hightower signing with the San Francisco 49ers, as reported by team GM John Lynch:
#Faithful - We've agreed to terms w/ @Tim_Hightower We got better this week with Tim and @DuJuan_Harris. #brickbybrick #welcometothefamily
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) April 1, 2017
Signed to be a backup, Hightower likely won't be fantasy-relevant when starter Carlos Hyde is healthy, but Hyde has spent ample time on the sidelines during his career, missing 14 of a possible 48 games and at least two in each of his three seasons.
Hyde had his best campaign yet in 2016, setting career highs in nearly every rushing and receiving category en route to tallying 1,151 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns in 13 games.
Hightower isn't a threat to take Hyde's starting role, but he should serve as a productive player when the Ohio State product inevitably winds up on the injury report.
The 30-year-old Hightower resurfaced in New Orleans in 2015 after being out of the NFL since a five-game stint with Washington in 2011.
He remained a Saint in 2016, playing in all 16 games and carrying a heavy load during spells when Mark Ingram fell out of favor due to fumbling issues. Hightower had four games in which he exceeded 100 yards from scrimmage, finishing the season with five touchdowns and 748 combined rushing and receiving yards.
As Atlanta's offensive coordinator in 2016, new 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan leaned on his running backs, with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman seeing ample work as both runners and pass-catchers.
Freeman and Coleman combined for 24 total touchdowns and 2,482 yards from scrimmage for the Falcons' top-scoring offense; the rebuilding 49ers won't be anywhere close to as potent, but Hightower's fantasy prospects look to be heightened with the move to the Bay Area.
Barring any kind of pre-season injury to Hyde, Hightower won't be anything more than a late-round fantasy selection, but on his own or as a handcuff to Hyde, he looks assured of making a contribution at some point in 2017.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)