54 Dont'a Hightower MLB

Hightower (knee) was originally given a timetable of 2-to-3 weeks, so he'll return to the field either this week or next week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

This is fairly good news for Hightower after receiving a second opinion on his knee. He did not play in Sunday's game against the Saints following the diagnosis, so he could be back for Week 3's matchup with the Texans. The team will likely provide updates on the linebacker's health throughout this week of practice.

Hightower visited Dr. James Andrews over the last week for a second opinion on the knee he injured during the Patriots' Week 1 win over the Chiefs, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

There was initial optimism that Hightower's knee injury, one that kept him from playing against the Chiefs after suffering it, was not serious but a second opinion from Dr. Andrews is never something that provides optimism. Hightower has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints, and it remains unclear how long he'll be sidelined.

Hightower (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints.

This isn't overly surprising -- considering Hightower did not practice this week after sustaining the injury against the Chiefs in the opener -- but it remains a tough absence for the Patriots to absorb. The injury wasn't believed to have been severe, but the oft-injured linebacker will give way to Kyle Van Noy and Marquis Flowers, at least for Week 2.

Hightower (knee) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hightower exited early in the Patriots' season-opening loss to the Chiefs with an MCL sprain, but the injury isn't believed to be severe. Even so, Hightower will need to practice at some point this week in order for the Patriots to have confidence in his ability to suit up in the Week 2 matchup with the Saints. If Hightower can't go, Kyle Van Noy and Marquis Flowers could pick up extra reps at middle linebacker.

Hightower is believed to have suffered a minor MCL sprain in Thursday's loss to Kansas City, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The extent of the injury that knocked Hightower out of Thursday's game is not fully known, but the report indicates he will have a chance to play in Week 2, so it does not appear he is dealing with a long-term setback.