54 Dont'a Hightower OLB

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

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.

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 limitations 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.

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.

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 the big game, if Hightower is at all limited then Brandon King or Albert McClellan would likely see an uptick in snaps.

Hightower recorded two solo tackles and a sack during Sunday's 34-33 loss to the Dolphins.

Hightower contributed one of New England's five sacks, though that wasn't enough to leave the Patriots with a victory. It was Hightower's first sack of the season, and he'll look to keep it going in a pivotal matchup with the Steelers on Sunday.

Hightower recorded four tackles (three solo) in Sunday's loss to the Titans.

Hightower was questionable entering Sunday's game due to a knee injury, but he played on nearly all of the Patriots' defensive snaps. He's averaging a little under four tackles per game and doesn't have much value in most IDP formats. Looking ahead, Hightower and the Patriots take on the Jets in Week 12 after a Week 11 bye.

Hightower (knee) is active for Sunday's game against Tennessee.

Hightower played through his knee injury last week and didn't appear overly hampered by the ailment. He'll see his usual role as a starting linebacker for New England.

Hightower (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

Hightower was limited in practice all week and still appears to be nursing a lingering hamstring issue. The star linebacker was able to play through the injury in Week 9 and will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's tilt against the Titans.

Hightower recorded four tackles (two solo) in Sunday's win over the Packers.

Hightower had a modest performance Sunday after sitting out New England's Week 8 game due to a knee injury. He saw his typical workload and didn't appear hampered by the injury whatsoever. Looking ahead, Hightower and the Patriots will take on the Titans in Week 10.

Hightower (knee) is officially active for Sunday night's game against the Packers.

Hightower was a limited practice participant this week to earn the questionable tag after missing last week's win over the Bills. The 28-year-old should have his usual workload, as the Patriots defense attempts to slow down quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Hightower (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hightower was a limited participant in practice all week, and he remains hampered by the knee injury which caused him to miss last week's win over the Bills. The starting linebacker could be a game-time decision for New Engliand's tilt against the Packers in Week 9, and Nicholas Grigsby would once again draw the start if Hightower were to remain sidelined.

Hightower (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hightower sat out Monday's win over the Bills after logging limited practice sessions all week and still appears to be hampered by a lingering knee issue. The veteran linebacker should be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, and Nicholas Grigsby would once again slot into the starting lineup if Hightower were to miss any time.

Hightower (knee) is inactive for Monday's game against the Bills.

Hightower was only able to log limited practice sessions throughout most of the week due to a knee injury. Nicholas Grigsby is slated to fill in for Hightower at inside linebacker against a Bills offense that has produced only 234 yards per game through its first 7 contests.

Hightower (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's game at Buffalo, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Hightower was a limited participant at practice this week for the knee issue that apparently cropped up in lat Sunday's win over the Bears. Nicholas Grigsby would likely see an increased role defensively if Hightower is limited or unable to suit up Monday.

Hightower (knee) was a limited participant in Friday's practice.

Hightower appears to be nursing a knee injury of undisclosed severity. It remains to be seen whether the veteran linebacker's availability for Monday's game against the Bills is in danger, but Saturday's final injury report should shed some light on the situation. If Hightower were sidelined for any amount of time, Nicholas Grigsby would receive an uptick in defensive snaps.

Hightower recorded two tackles, an interception and a pass defensed across 50 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Chiefs.

This is Hightower's seventh season in the league, but Sunday night marked the first time he has recorded an interception. He returned the Patrick Mahomes attempted pass to the Chiefs' four-yard line, leading to a Sony Michel touchdown run on the next play. Hightower played in 93 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps Sunday night, trailing only Kyle Van Noy in the linebacker department.

Hightower (pectoral) was a full participant in minicamp this month, Zack Cox of NESN reports.

Hightower is bouncing back from a torn pectoral that required season-ending surgery last November. The linebacker was eased into drills during the start of OTAs, but his full participation in minicamp suggests the linebacker has returned to full strength. Considering how the Patriots defense took a step back in his absence last year, Hightower's availability is undoubtedly a great thing for New England in advance of the 2018 campaign.

Hightower (pectoral) was a full participant in OTAs on Thursday, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com reports.

Hightower is still recovering from a pectoral injury that has had him sidelined since October, and he was a limited participant in last week's OTAs. However, with a full session Thursday, it looks like Hightower's goal of returning for training camp is still on track to be achieved. Hightower enters the 2018 campaign looking to put together his first full season since 2013.

Hightower (pectoral) was a limited participant in OTAs on Thursday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Having been sidelined since late October, Hightower appears on pace to be ready for training camp -- his initial goal. Before the 2017 campaign, Hightower had five straight seasons with 60-plus tackles. For those looking to utilize Hightower in IDP settings, it's important to note he hasn't played more than 13 games in a season since 2013.

Hightower (pectoral) appears on track to be available for the 2018 season opener, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hightower has seemed to avoid any setbacks in his recovery thus far, which makes him a realistic candidate to be available for the start of the 2018 season. The 27-year-old underwent season-ending pectoral surgery in late October. The Patriots could express additional caution bringing him back, however, given the linebacker's injury history.