It doesn’t look good for linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s chances of playing against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Hightower missed all three days of practice for the Patriots this week with a knee injury. Hightower was injured early in last Sunday’s victory over the Cardinals, but missed only a handful of snaps before playing the rest of the way.
The signs are less clear for nine other Patriots who have been listed as questionable. The lead name on that list is tight end Rob Gronkowski, who didn’t play against Arizona because of a hamstring injury and was a limited participant in practice this week. That’s the same way things played out last week when Gronkowski deemed himself “week-to-week” because of the injury.
Left tackle Nate Solder and guard Jonathan Cooper are also questionable after missing Week One. Cornerback Malcolm Butler, wide receiver Chris Hogan, tackle Marcus Cannon, defensive lineman Trey Flowers, guard Shaq Mason and linebacker Shea McClellin round out the group with that designation.
Cornerback Eric Rowe is the only Patriot ruled out. Rowe has an ankle injury.