The Patriots’ defensive turnaround will have to continue without their most impactful linebacker.
Two-year captain Dont’a Hightower tore his right pectoral muscle Sunday during the Patriots’ 23-7 victory against the Falcons at Gillette Stadium, according to three sources. He’ll need season-ending surgery.
As the week progressed, the Patriots became increasingly wary over Hightower’s availability this season, though the torn pec was viewed as the nightmare scenario. Hightower dove and outstretched his right arm to tackle running back Devonta Freeman in the third quarter and immediately winced in pain as he hit the turf.
The Patriots initially hoped it was just a right shoulder injury, according to two sources.