Report: Patriots' Hightower expected to return after 2-game absence

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is expected to return for Sunday's contest against the Carolina Panthers, barring a setback, after missing the last two games with a knee injury, a source told The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe.

Hightower suffered the injury in the season opener, and the Patriots have apparently been cautious with the return of one of their most valuable defensive players.

The veteran linebacker will look to shore up a defense that's given up 95 points through three games, second worst in the league.