Cutting Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower was among today's cuts. This was somewhat surprising since some felt Hightower would begin the season as the starter. However it's a sound move for a few reasons.

First, Hightower is coming off an ACL repair. As reliably as the sun rises, running backs lack explosion and speed their first year back from ACL repair. Keeping Hightower would have only made sense as an investment for next year and beyond.

Second, Alfred Morris has looked really good this preseason. Morris is not fast, but has the vision, anticipation, and discipline to fit really really well in the Shanahan zone-blocking scheme. His decision-making looks quicker and smarter than Royster's, which is impressive given that Royster has an extra year of experience and had some success last year.

Third, Roy Helu is an above-average starter when healthy. He looks not one but two gears faster than Morris or Royster, and his style fits well in the zone-blocking scheme.

In sum, Hightower was poised for a mediocre year coming off ACL surgery, and he may not have been worth the long-term investment given that Morris, Helu, and Royster are all younger and good fits for the Shanahan zone-blocking scheme. That said, look for Hightower to make an impact somewhere *next* year.