FOXBORO — Jerod Mayo is still the funniest guy in the Patriots’ linebackers meetings, still the most levelheaded veteran on the defense, still as much of a player-coach as one can be.
Mayo’s attitude hasn’t wavered despite a significantly reduced role during the team’s first four games this season. The 29-year-old didn’t act gruff or flustered.
Conversely, Mayo isn’t trumpeting his potential re-emergence this week, as the Patriots must prepare for the possibility Dont’a Hightower can’t play on Sunday night in Indianapolis against the Colts due to his injured ribs. Mayo took over for Hightower during last Sunday’s road victory against the Dallas Cowboys, and the seven-time captain would be the logical replacement again if Hightower is unavailable.