54 Dont'a Hightower LB

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 injruy 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 -- the 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.

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

Hightower underwent season-ending pectoral surgery nearly two weeks ago and now officially has been placed on injured reserve. 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.