New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
However, a team source told Adam Schefter of ESPN that Hightower will visit noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday. The team is still waiting for confirmation that he's done for the year.
Hightower had already been ruled out of Week 8 due to a shoulder injury. The pectoral injury has been an issue since the offseason, reports Albert Breer of MMQB.com.
The pectoral was partially torn in March, which is why some of Hightower's other offers in free agency were pulled, added Breer.
The already-struggling Patriots defense now has a major depth issue at inside linebacker, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see New England attempt to make a move ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.
Hightower is the Patriots' leader on defense and one of the few upper-tier playmakers in the front seven. Veteran David Harris should see more snaps with Hightower sidelined.
