New England Patriots

Report: Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower suffered sprained MCL

Published Nov. 30, 2015 10:41 a.m. ET

foxsports

Along with losing their perfect record and their star tight end, the New England Patriots were dealt another blow on Sunday night against the Denver Broncos.

Starting linebacker Dont'a Hightower left the game with a knee injury and did not return, but the early diagnosis appears to be better than it could have been. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Hightower suffered a sprained MCL, which is "similar" to Danny Amendola's injury. If it is indeed a sprained MCL, he's not expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Hightower is arguably the Patriots' best defensive player next to Jamie Collins and Devin McCourty, and he's certainly a player they can't afford to lose. Jerod Mayo filled in for him last night, but he's not the player Hightower is. He's recorded 55 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and one pass defensed in 10 games this season.