Two of the Patriots stalwart defenders from last season’s Super Bowl-winning squad will begin training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list
Captain Dont’a Hightower, the team’s top linebacker and the quarterback of the defense, and Alan Branch, the club’s top interior lineman, will be out when the team begins practice Thursday morning.
Hightower, who landed a four-year contract worth $35.5 million (including $17 million guaranteed) in the offseason, was not a full participant in minicamp and OTA spring practices as he recuperates from an undisclosed ailment.