New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower out for season
Friday 27 October 2017 12:45, UK
New England Patriots have lost one of their defensive stars for the rest of the season after Dont'a Hightower suffered a torn pectoral muscle injury.
Hightower, who signed a four-year, $35m contract this offseason, was an integral part of New England’s Super Bowl-winning squad last season and was voted to the Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the influential linebacker will miss out on the Patriots attempts to retain the title they won so spectacularly in February, where he was a crucial factor.
His most important and memorable moment came during the Patriots’ comeback against the Falcons, when he made a crucial strip-sack of Atlanta’s Matt Ryan to give Tom Brady the ball in their opponent’s territory in the fourth quarter.
It is a major loss for a Patriots defense that has been struggling all season. They have given up the most yards in the league and the 10th-most points, and will have to go the rest of the season without their star man in the middle.
Hightower has missed two games already this season and is one the team's top leaders and communicators. His impact was evident in the last three contests, as the Patriots only allowed 12.7 points per game compared to 32 per game in their opening fixtures when he did not play a full part.
Linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts will have to step up, and 33-year old David Harris, signed this summer from rival New York Jets, might be thrust into a larger role.
Another option open to the Patriots is the possibility of a trade before next Tuesday's deadline.
