Hightower (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game versus the Redskins.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower will return to his starting inside linebacker position after a one-week hiatus. This is a favorable game to return for, as the Redskins will be rolling out Colt McCoy for his first start of the season.

The Patriots expect to have Hightower (shoulder) available in Week 5 against the Redskins, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower is officially listed as questionable, but this news suggests he's more likely than not to suit up. His return would be a boon for an already fearsome defensive unit in a highly favorable matchup.

Hightower (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Redskins.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower was a limited participant in every practice this week, but he logged the same practice report ahead of Week 4's game versus the Bills and was ultimately ruled out at game time. Another work of recovery may be all Hightower needed, but he's considered a true game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Hightower (shoulder) won't suit up for Sunday's road game against the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower only logged limited work during practice, and was considered a game-time decision for the clash. Now that he's officially out, look for Jaime Collins to get that start at outside linebacker for the game opposite Kyle Van Noy.

Hightower (shoulder) has officially been listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

After a week of limited work at practice HIghtower is looking like a true game-time decision. Jamie Collins would presumably fill in for him at outside linebacker should he ultimately be unable to suit up.

Hightower (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how Hightower picked up the injury, but he suffered it late in the second half. Considering the game was out of reach when he left, it's likely the team keeps the veteran out of the game in order to protect him from further injury. In any event, Jaime Collins is in line to fill in for Hightower at one of the outside linebacker positions.

Hightower is entering the offseason program at around 250-255 pounds, Dakota Randall of NESN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Linebackers around the league seem to be shedding weight in an effort to stay on the field more often on passing downs. Hightower, who checked in at 265 pounds at the 2012 NFL Combine and has played around 270 at times, appears to be following suit. Moreover, the 2016 All-Pro has evidently been active in offseason workouts and is seemingly in good health after spraining his toe in the Super Bowl.

Hightower wore a walking boot to protect a toe sprain during the Patriots' championship parade Tuesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This sounds like a matter of being cautious in a chaotic environment, rather than any level of concern about the injury being serious. Hightower showed no sign of limitation during the Super Bowl, finishing with two sacks, a batted pass and three quarterback hits on 56 defensive snaps (86 percent). He has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $33.5 million contract, with $2 million of his 2019 base salary ($7 million) scheduled to become guaranteed March 17, per overthecap.com. While his regular-season statistics may not justify the lofty salary, Hightower has an impressive history of stepping up when it matters most.

Hightower (illness) was a full practice participant Friday and doesn't have any injury designation for the Super Bowl, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Held out of practice the day prior, Hightower seems to have made a quick recovery and should be fine to handle his usual three-down role come Sunday. He played every snap on defense in the AFC Championship Game, notching two tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit in a 37-31 win over the Chiefs.

Hightower was held out of Thursday's practice session due to illness.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower first appeared on the injury report Thursday as the team had a walkthrough in lieu of a full practice. It's unclear what the specifics of the issue are or if he's in jeopardy of being held out or seeing a reduced role Sunday. Looking ahead to Sunday, if Hightower is at all limited then Brandon King or Albert McClellan would likely see an uptick in snaps.