The Facts: Hightower is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Thursday.

Diehards Line: As ESPN.com's Mike Triplett notes, Hightower, 30, has been an ideal backup for the Saints the past two years after making a remarkable recovery from a torn ACL and ensuing infection that kept him out of the NFL for three-plus years. Hightower combined for 923 rushing yards, 329 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over the past two years. And he has shown the ability to take over as an every-down back when needed, with a pair of 100-yard rushing games.