INDIANAPOLIS -- The New England Patriots have already ruled linebacker Dont'a Hightower (ribs) and rookie defensive end Trey Flowers (shoulder/knee) out for Sunday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts. That means there are five more players who must be declared inactive by 90 minutes before kickoff.
With Hightower out, it increases the likelihood Jon Bostic could be active for the first time since the Patriots acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Bears on Sept. 29.
When Hightower injured his ribs in the first quarter of last Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys, eight-year veteran Jerod Mayo (season-high 29 snaps) and fourth-year player Jonathan Freeny (season-high 25 snaps) shared Hightower's responsibilities as the No.