Basile-Vaughan: Dont’a Hightower Injury a Real Concern for Patriots

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower missed his third consecutive practice on Friday (Sept. 16). His absence from practice basically rules him out for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Injuries are already starting to ail the 2016 New England Patriots. With the status of tight end Rob Gronkowski and left tackle Nate Solder already in doubt for Sunday’s AFC East showdown with the Miami Dolphins, another key player may be been ruled out.

According to multiple reports Friday, run-stopping linebacker and team captain Dont’a Hightower missed his third straight day of practice. His absence is due to a right knee injury sustained in the Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

While the injury doesn’t appear to be extremely serious, his potential absence on Sunday could have more than an short impact on defense.

The injury is also a concern since Hightower has missed games in three of his first four seasons in the NFL. In a contract year, games missed due to injury could factor in the team’s decision to extend Hightower’s contract or simply move on from him, which is something Patriots fans simply do not want to see.

The Patriots hope to contain Miami’s running game without Hightower.

The fifth-year linebacker has become one of the true leaders on defense. And as one of the team’s best run-stuffing defenders, the loss of Hightower could impact how the Patriots are able to defend teams. An effect of his absence could expose itself in this upcoming game against the Dolphins.

If Miami is to have a chance to win their first game in Foxboro in eight years, establishing the run will factor in. Without Hightower, the Patriots could struggle stopping the run.

Don’t get me wrong, the Patriots should still have a strong run defense. However, the force and sure tackling of Hightower in the run defense will be greatly missed simply because of his ability to sniff out running plays and quickly fill running lanes with his physicality.

Who steps up for Hightower?

McClellin is an option to join Collins and Freeny as the third linebacker in the base. But if the Patriots are successful in taking away the run, Ryan Tannenhill and the Dolphins’ offense could turn to a short passing game. This is where an athletic linebacker like Mingo would serve as a better option, especially in the sub package. His speed and nose for the ball that he showed in the preseason could make him a useful commodity. Not only does he have the ability to cover running backs like Arian Foster catching the ball out of the backfield, he could also help in coverage against tight ends defending the middle of the field.

But in all, each player expected to step up is a downgrade from Hightower and what he brings to the defense each week.

Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia always find ways to plug players in when key players are down. However, if Hightower’s injury does linger beyond this week, it will eventually have a possible long-term effect on the run defense and also with how defensive sets are called and disguised.

Hopefully it’s an injury that doesn’t linger throughout the season because Hightower is a key to the defense’s success.

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