DONT'A HIGHTOWER NEWS

Plans to play in 2022 Hightower plans to play next season, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

Impact 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 has 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.

MARCH 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Suiting up for playoff opener Hightower (knee) is listed as active Saturday in Buffalo.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Saturday Hightower (knee) is questionable for Saturday's wild-card matchup with the Bills, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Patriots downgrade linebacker Dont'a Hightower to out for Sunday's game vs. Dolphins The Patriots downgraded linebacker Dont'a Hightower to out for Sunday's game vs. the Dolphins. Read more on Boston.com.

JANUARY 8, 2022 • BOSTON.COM

Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower ruled out for Sunday's game against Dolphins - The Boston Globe Hightower was limited in practice all week with a knee injury.

JANUARY 8, 2022 • BOSTONGLOBE.COM

Out for finale The Patriots have downgraded Hightower (knee) to out for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Dolphins.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

NFL Week 17: Dallas Cowboys getting healthy as playoffs approach

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JANUARY 2, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Active Sunday Hightower (knee) will play Sunday against the Jaguars.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

On track to play Hightower (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday Hightower (knee) is questionable for Sunday against the Jaguars.

Impact 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. However, 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.

JANUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Patriots-Bills injury report: Dont'a Hightower removed, 8 Pats questionable for Monday The Patriots look healthy for Monday night’s kickoff in Buffalo, despite listing eight players on their injury report Saturday.

DECEMBER 4, 2021 • BOSTONHERALD.COM

Set to face Bills Hightower (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Bills, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with ankle issue Hightower (ankle) was a limited practice participant Friday.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Banged-up Titans look to keep streak alive against Patriots

The Patriots dominated the series with the Titans for years by winning 10 of 12 before Tennessee hired Mike Vrabel to be its head coach in 2018

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 • Associated Press

Will play Sunday Hightower (ankle) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

Impact Hightower missed Week 7 and was limited in practices throughout the week, but he will be available for Sunday's contest against the Chargers. The 31-year-old linebacker has 23 tackles through six appearances during the 2021 campaign.

OCTOBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday Hightower (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Impact Hightower missed Week 7 but was able to put in limited practices all week. If he can't go, Ja'Whaun Bentley (ribs) would likely see more snaps, though he is in a similar situation with an injury of his own.

OCTOBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sidelined with elbow injury Hightower (elbow) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Impact Hightower injured his elbow during the Patriots' Week 6 contest. Though he was able to return to that game, he did not practice Friday and is now set to miss his first contest of the season. Ja'Whaun Bentley figures to take over a bigger role in Hightower's absence.

OCTOBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Officially questionable Hightower (elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Impact Hightower's designation comes after being a non-participant at Friday's practice. Several of New England's linebackers have drawn questionable tags. The middle linebacker's final status will be determined by how he is feeling closer to kickoff.

OCTOBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Patriots get Dont'a Hightower back at practice, still missing 2 starters Hightower had missed Wednesday's session with a pair of injuries.

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • MASSLIVE.COM

Patriots-Jets injury report: Dont'a Hightower among 16 Pats limited or out Wednesday Hightower is dealing with new elbow and ankle injuries, and headlined the Pats’ group of four absentees that includes defensive tackle Davon...

OCTOBER 20, 2021 • BOSTONHERALD.COM