New England Patriots

Dont'a Hightower "feels great," return still unknown

Published Jul. 13, 2015 8:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower figures to be an integral part of a defense that is looking for a new leader to emerge after defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and cornerback Darrelle Revis left in the offseason.

While the players and fans wait for training camp to begin, Hightower may be waiting a little longer than normal to hit the practice field with his teammates. During an appearance at UMass-Lowell on Monday, Hightower gave no specifics as to when he will be fully healthy as he heals from offseason surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.

“Honestly, I don’t have a target date,” Hightower said. “I’ve seen doc, and everything is going great right now. I’m right on track, if not a little ahead of schedule. It’s something that’s going to take time. I can’t say ‘three weeks’ or whatever. It feels great. I’m doing good. Doc loved everything. He said I’m ahead of schedule, so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.”

The Patriots and their fans hope to see Hightower back soon as he will team up with fellow linebackers Jerod Mayo and Jamie Collins to make one of the better linebacking corps in the NFL.

(h/t Pro Football Talk)

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports