Dont'a Hightower Injury: Updates on Patriots Star's Knee and Return

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower suffered a torn meniscus against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. He hadn't played since, but is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Hightower Active vs. Bills

Sunday, Oct. 2

The Patriots announced that Hightower was ready to play against Buffalo in Week 4.

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Latest on Hightower's Practice Status

Thursday, Sept. 29 

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported Hightower was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.  

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Hightower No Stranger to Injuries 

Hightower battled a sprained MCL and a rib injury during the Patriots' 2015 campaign and proceeded to miss four regular-season games for the second consecutive year. 

In 12 appearances in 2015, Hightower recorded 61 tackles and 3.5 sacks as part of a front seven that allowed a ninth-ranked 98.8 rushing yards per game. 

However, Hightower is more than a big body capable of clogging up the middle. As head coach Bill Belichick explained, the 26-year-old has the speed and instincts necessary to be disruptive as a pass-defender. 

"I think the big thing for a player like [Hightower] is his ability to play on third down, and his ability to cover and rush the passer," Belichick said, according to NESN.com's Doug Kyed. "He gives your defense a lot of flexibility. He’s a guy that you really want on the field on third down for the number of different things that he can do."