Dont'a Hightower LB FA Tue 3/21/23 12:34 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower announced Tuesday via his personal Twitter account that he has retired from professional football.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower is officially retiring after nine seasons with the NFL, all of which he spent with New England. The two-time Pro Bowler earned three Super Bowl rings during his time with the Patriots, a span in which he solidified himself as one of the team's most important defensive players. He will perhaps be best remembered for his tackle of Marshawn Lynch at the 1-yard line with seconds left in Super Bowl XLIX, which set up teammate Malcolm Butler's famous interception of Russell Wilson.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Tue 3/8/22 8:52 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower plans to play next season, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower will be a free agent at the start of the new league year, which is March 16. The soon-to-be 32 year old sat out the 2020 season, but he's spent all nine of his NFL seasons thus far with the Patriots. Hightower finished last season with 64 tackles (39 solo), 1.5 sacks and a pass defensed on 610 defensive snaps.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Sat 1/15/22 7:20 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (knee) is listed as active Saturday in Buffalo.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower played through a knee injury Week 17 versus the Jaguars, but the Patriots held him out of their season finale in Miami. After putting together three consecutive limited listings on practice reports this week, he's done enough to be cleared for action in the wild-card round. On the campaign, Hightower has compiled 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 outings.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Fri 1/14/22 4:25 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (knee) is questionable for Saturday's wild-card matchup with the Bills, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower missed the regular-season finale with the knee injury and was limited at practice throughout the week. His potential absence would be a big blow for the Patriots' defense and would likely mean Ja'Whaun Bentley would have to step into an expanded role against Philadelphia.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Sat 1/8/22 12:26 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
The Patriots have downgraded Hightower (knee) to out for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Dolphins.
EDGE Analysis
It looks like the Patriots will err on the side of caution with their starting middle linebacker ahead of the playoffs. In his absence, Ja'Whaun Bentley is the likely candidate to replace him at middle linebacker against Miami.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Sun 1/2/22 11:58 AM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (knee) will play Sunday against the Jaguars.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower was unable to practice Friday, but he's ready to go Sunday. He should receive the majority of the work at middle linebacker Sunday.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Sat 1/1/22 3:01 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower was labeled questionable with a knee injury on Friday's injury report, but he's apparently on track to suit up Sunday. The 31-year-old has 62 tackles (37 solo) and a half-sack in 14 games this season.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Fri 12/31/21 8:34 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (knee) is questionable for Sunday against the Jaguars.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower did not participate in practice Friday, after getting in limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday. This would seem to be a step in the wrong direction for the 10-year veteran. Although, with four linebackers currently on the COVID list, it's possible the team decided to play it safe with Hightower on Friday. Either way, he's likely going to be a game-time decision for Sunday against the Jaguars.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Sat 12/4/21 5:43 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Bills, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower was limited for the team's first two practices of the week with an ankle injury. However, he turned in a full session Saturday and will be ready to suit up Monday. In 11 games this season, Hightower has recorded 45 total tackles with 0.5 sacks and one pass defended.
Dont'a Hightower LB FA Fri 12/3/21 8:48 PM
Dont'a Hightower
LB FA
Hightower (ankle) was a limited practice participant Friday.
EDGE Analysis
Hightower battled an ankle injury earlier in the season, but he had been absent from the injury report for several weeks. That he was able to practice in limited fashion both Thursday and Friday is encouraging for his availability Monday against the Bills. However, his status should become more clear based on his participation in Saturday's practice.