Report: Dont’a Hightower likely to play for Patriots in Week 4

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower is reportedly set to return to the lineup on Sunday.

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Hightower is expected to start barring a setback, having been knocked out of the team’s season opener with a sprained knee.

Howe notes that the Patriots had been methodical in bringing Hightower along and had no plans to rush him, which means he is definitely healthy enough to play if New England is going to go through with it.

Hightower’s injury was originally thought to be less serious than it turned out to be. The Patriots — who have struggled mightily on defense without him — will be eager to welcome him back into the fold.