Hightower could replace James as starting RB with Cardinals

Oct 28, 2008 - 10:57 PM TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Rookie running back Tim Hightower apparently has impressed Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

During his news conference Monday, Whisenhunt admitted that he would consider starting Hightower over high-priced veteran Edgerrin James at some point this season.

"I think we've shown we're going to go with the players that give us the best chance to win," Whisenhunt said. "We did that with the quarterback, we did that at linebacker, we did that with the offensive line. So if we feel Tim gives us the best chance to win, then absolutely."

A fifth-round draft selection, the 216-pound Hightower has served as Arizona's short-yardage specialist over the first seven games this season, rushing for 133 yards and six touchdowns.

But Whisenhunt said that Hightower stands to see increased playing time as a replacement for the ineffective James, who has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry this season.

James, 30, is in the third season of a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Cardinals. The four-time All-Pro is scheduled to make $5 million in base salary next year.