Hightower played 13 offensive snaps and five snaps on special teams in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots.
Hightower had been dealing with a groin injury since Aug. 7, though he was able to return for the team's second preseason contest. Further confirming Hightower's healthy status was his absence from the team's practice report, which listed players who were out due to injury as reported by Tim McManus of ESPN.com. After being sidelined for just under two weeks, Hightower will turn his attention to winning a spot on the roster and will have to compete with Quez Watkins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside for a role.