HOUSTON — For the second straight game, the New England Patriots will be without run-stuffing linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who has been ruled out of Sunday's showdown with the Texans due to a knee injury.
Hightower was injured in the second quarter versus the Broncos in Week 12. He didn't finish the game, and didn't play last Sunday versus Philadelphia.
Without Hightower, the Pats haven't been as stout against the run. His absence shouldn't be a huge concern against the Texans, though. Houston has had tremendous difficulty running the ball against anyone, especially without Arian Foster.
In addition to Hightower, starting offensive guard Josh Kline has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.