FOXBORO — The Patriots’ defensive turnaround will have to continue without their most impactful linebacker.
Dont’a Hightower tore his right pectoral muscle Sunday night during the Patriots’ 23-7 victory against the Falcons at Gillette Stadium, according to three sources.
Hightower is done for the season, as the full tear required surgery.
“Each one of us has got to step up,” linebacker David Harris said yesterday. “Hightower has been playing at a high level since he got here. He’s a key component to the defense.”
Hightower is irreplaceable, but the Patriots have to figure it out.