The New England Patriots cannot afford to lose any more players on the defensive side of the ball after they were torched for 42 points on Thursday night, and fortunately for them it sounds like Dont’a Hightower may not miss any time.
Hightower left his team’s loss against the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury. He appeared ready to return at one point but remained on the sideline. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the veteran linebacker suffered only a minor sprain and could be ready for Week 2.
#Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower is believed to have suffered a minor MCL sprain vs KC, I'm told. With the long break, could actually play W2.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2017
Hightower has battled knee injuries throughout his NFL career, and he reportedly failed his physical with the New York Jets when he was a free agent this past offseason. The Patriots have nine days off before they take on the New Orleans Saints, so that should work in Hightower’s favor.
The 42 points the Patriots allowed on Thursday were the most in Bill Belichick’s 17 seasons with the team. Hightower is essentially the quarterback of their defense and was a hero in Super Bowl LI, but New England will likely be cautious with him.
