The Saints released Hightower on Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

Hightower has been released, signed, and released again by the Saints all in the span of four days. The team appears to like him, and he would have a tough time making a real impact elsewhere, so he may just wait it out and hope the Saints call again.

The Saints have re-signed Hightower, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Hightower rejoins the Saints' depth RB mix, but when healthy, Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller and Khiry Robinson are all ahead of him in the team's backfield pecking order.

Hightower was released by the Saints on Saturday, ESPN's Field Yates reports.

Hightower was no better than third on the depth chart even with C.J. Spiller (knee) out this week, so the Saints decided to remove him from the roster to open up a spot for another player. Hightower has not had an NFL carry since 2011, but he could get a look from a team in need of running back help.

Hightower (knee) is probable for Sunday's regular-season opener in Arizona, the Saints' official site reports.

Hightower was a non-participant Wednesday, but he then logged full practices both Thursday and Friday. With C.J. Spiller (knee) ruled out, Hightower could get a few touches, though most of the work will go to Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson.

Hightower (knee) practiced in full Thursday, the Saints' official site reports.

Hightower failed to take the practice field Wednesday, but his return one day later clears the way for the veteran to play Sunday at Arizona. With C.J. Spiller (knee) unlikely to suit up, Hightower could garner some reps behind Mark Ingram and top backup Khiry Robinson in Week 1.

Hightower (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Hightower was a surprise inclusion on the Saints' 53-man roster, which was likely necessitated by lingering injuries to Khiry Robinson and C.J. Spiller (knee). Though Spiller is expected to be out for at least Week 1, Robinson is not listed on the injury report and returned to practice this week. Even if Hightower is able to suit up for the opener against the Cardinals, with Robinson and Mark Ingram securely ahead of him on the depth chart, he is unlikely to see many touches.

Hightower has made the Saints' 53-man roster, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Hightower's inclusion on the Saints' final roster comes as a surprise, and it may indicate that the team does not feel confident that C.J. Spiller and Khiry Robinson will be ready for Week 1. If Spiller or, in particular, Robinson are unavailable for the opener against the Cardinals, Hightower could see some touches behind Mark Ingram. Rookie running back Marcus Murphy, who is expected to return kicks, could also see playing time out of the Saints' backfield.

Saints head coach Sean Payton said that Hightower's teammate, Marcus Murphy, will make the final roster.

Assuming Payton doesn't change his mind, Hightower's roster hopes depend on the health of C.J. Spiller (knee), who is expected to be ready for Week 1.

Hightower had 10 carries for 31 yards, adding one reception for 10 yards on three targets, in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.

C.J. Spiller (undisclosed) didn't play, Mark Ingram handled the first-team work, and Khiry Robinson dominated the second-team snaps. Hightower then played nearly all of the third quarter and into the fourth, but he didn't do anything to improve his standing on the depth chart. Robinson, meanwhile, picked up 72 yards and a touchdown on five touches, further solidifying himself as the No. 3 running back ahead of Hightower. Unless there's an injury in front of him, Hightower is merely hoping that the Saints make an unorthodox decision to carry four running backs on the final roster.

Hightower signed a 2015 contract with the Saints on Monday, Howard Balzer of lockerdome reports.

Hightower has been off the field since 2011 when he played five games for the Redskins. The now 28-year-old was released ahead of the 2012 season as he continued to deal with lingering knee problems but had arthroscopic surgery in the same year to correct the issue. It would be somewhat surprising if he managed to earn a spot on the Saints' 2015 regular season roster, although he certainly has experience in his corner.

Free agent RB Tim Hightower wants back in the NFL, and says "there's curiosity" from teams.

Hightower, 28, tore his left ACL in 2011 and has been out of the league the past two seasons. After undergoing reconstructive knee surgery, an infection was discovered, setting Hightower back. He was medically cleared just two months ago. Hightower excels as a passing-down back and in blitz pickup.

Redskins GM Bruce Allen said the team will wait until closer to training camp to make a decision on signing free agent RB Tim Hightower.

"I know Tim wanted to look at a few other teams," Allen said. "We did draft two running backs. So we're going to go through the OTAs, see where we're at with our young guys and then make a decision closer to training camp." Hightower would be nothing more than a veteran presence in the running backs room.

Sources tell the Washington Post that the Redskins and Giants have "inquired" about free agent RB Tim Hightower.

Hightower worked out for the Giants last month and the two sides are expected to meet again in a couple of weeks. The Redskins' level of interest remains unclear. He's loved by the staff as a leader, but they saw his inability to recover from 2011 ACL tear first hand. Always lacking burst, Hightower won't be guaranteed a roster spot or carries no matter where he lands.

The Newark Star-Ledger suspects the Giants are simply "kicking the tires" on free agent Tim Hightower during his Wednesday visit.

The Giants only have one running back with proven pass protection skills -- Andre Brown -- and may sign Hightower at a later date if something happens to Brown or one of their other backs. For now, Hightower is simply being given a look-see. With plodding run skills, he would add little to the rushing attack.

Free agent RB Tim Hightower will work out for the Giants on Wednesday.

Hightower was originally scheduled to visit in early April, but the proceedings were delayed. It's unclear why, but Hightower's surgically-repaired knee prevented him from playing in 2012. With David Wilson, Andre Brown, Ryan Torain and Da'Rel Scott already under contract in New York, Hightower will have to be impressive to get an offer.

Free agent RB Tim Hightower still hasn't worked out for the Giants.

Free agent RB Tim Hightower is expected to visit with the Giants this weekend.

Hightower (ACL surgery) hasn't played in a regular season game since 2011, so he'll need to prove he's fully healthy. The Giants are considering him for a depth role behind David Wilson and Andre Brown.

Free agent RB Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) is reportedly getting close to full health.

The report likely comes by way of Hightower's agent. NFL teams will tell us how healthy they believe Hightower's knee is once he's given more than a cursory glance. The 26-year-old should be ready to work out for RB-needy clubs.

Cardinals worked out free agent RB Tim Hightower on Tuesday.

With Beanie Wells returning from injured reserve this week, the timing suggests the Cardinals are simply checking to see if Hightower is finally recovered from ACL surgery. No signing is imminent.

CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Cardinals are "not immediately exploring trades/signings" for a running back following Ryan Williams' placement on I.R., but could "seek out a veteran down the road."

The free agent market is grim, but former Cardinal Tim Hightower is one possibility. However, the Redskins passed on re-signing Hightower in September because he needed a knee scope. Other available names include Steve Slaton, Joseph Addai and Ryan Torain. Rotoworld's comprehensive free-agent list can be found at the link.