Hightower (pectoral) was placed on injured injured reserve Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hightower underwent season-ending pectoral surgery nearly two weeks ago and has now officially been placed on injured reserve. Now, without both Hightower and fellow linebacker Shea McClellin (concussion), the Patriots will have to rely on their depth at the position for the remainder of the season, starting with David Harris and Marquis Flowers.