Hightower (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Hightower missed this past Sunday's game against the Chargers, so while his limited participation Wednesday is encouraging, the linebacker isn't a lock to play Sunday against the Dolphins.

Hightower (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

With Hightower out, look for Jonathan Casillas and Akeem Ayers to see added snaps in the Patriots' defense in Week 14.

Hightower (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, ESPN.com reports.

If Hightower -- who recorded 10 tackles in Week 13 -- can't play Sunday, the likes of Jonathan Casillas and Akeem Ayers would be in line for added work this week.

Hightower was on the field for all 82 defensive snaps in Sunday's 43-21 win over the Broncos, ESPN.com reports.

Hightower recorded six tackles in the contest, giving him 29 stops over his last three games, as the Patriots head into their Week 10 bye.

Hightower (knee) was on the field for all 87 defensive snaps in Thursday's win over the Jets, ESPN.com reports.

As was fellow linebacker Jamie Collins, with the duo in line to remain busy moving forward, with Jerod Mayo on IR. With Hightower having re-established his health, and coming off a 13-tackle, one-sack effort in Week 7, he's worth a look in IDP formats, though note that the Patriots' bye is in Week 10.

Hightower (knee) is listed as active for Thursday's game against the Jets.

With Jerod Mayo on IR, Hightower is in line to play a key role in the Patriots' defense going forward, but since he's coming off an injury, we'd like to see him get a full and productive game in before suggesting that he be deployed in fantasy lineups.

Hightower (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Jets, ESPN.com reports.

With Jerod Mayo out for the season, a prominent role awaits Hightower once he's fully healthy, but we'd like to see him get a full and productive game in before endorsing him as a fantasy lineup option.

Hightower (knee) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, ESPN.com reports.

Hightower was able to practice in a limited capacity all of last week but still ended up missing his second straight game due to the knee injury. His status for Thursday's matchup against the Jets is uncertain, but the Patriots figure to push to get him back as soon as possible, with Jerod Mayo (knee) done for the year.

Hightower (knee, limited) appears on the Patriots' initial injury report in advance of Thursday's game against the Jets, ESPN.com reports.

With Jerod Mayo out for the season, Hightower's responsibilities in the Patriots' defense are in line to increase, but before that happens, he'll need to re-establish his health after missing the team's last two games.

Hightower (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

More on Hightower's status as this coming Thursday's game against the Jets approaches, but given the Patriots' upcoming short week, the linebacker isn't a lock to return in Week 7.

Hightower (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, ESPN.com reports.

After being inactive for last Sunday's game against the Bengals, Hightower -- who has recorded 20 tackles and two sacks in four games -- is no lock to play this weekend, despite practicing on a limited basis this week.

Hightower (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice, the Boston Globe reports.

After missing Week 5's contest against the Bengals, Hightower remains in the iffy category in advance of Sunday's game against the Bills.

Hightower (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

We'll revisit Hightower's status in advance of Week 6's contest against the Bills next weekend.

Hightower (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's night's game against the Bengals, ESPN.com reports.

We'll track Hightower's status in the coming days and with 20 tackles and two sacks in four games to date, he has carved out some deep league utility.

Hightower was on the field for 68-of-68 snaps on defense in Sunday's win over the Vikings, ESPN.com reports.

After seeing full-time duty in Week 1 and recording just one tackle, Hightower notched eight tackles and two sacks in Sunday's game. It's an effort that puts him on the IDP radar, a notion that would be reinforced if he continues to produce in Week 3 against the Raiders.

OLB Dont'a Hightower wants to be used more as a pass rusher on third down.

"I'll just put it out there: I would much rather rush or blitz than to cover: zone, man, or whatever," Hightower said. The Patriots would rather him rush as well. Hightower was one of the worst cover linebackers in the leagues last season, but he does have some skills as a pass rusher. Still, he will likely be limited to a two-down role in 2014.

ESPN Boston expects the Patriots to remove OLB Dont'a Hightower in all sub-packages this season.

Hightower was one of the worst cover linebackers in the league last year, so the Patriots are limiting him to more of a two-down role. Jamie Collins projects to get the majority of snaps opposite Jerod Mayo in nickel packages.

Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower returned to the field in Week 7 after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

Hightower recorded seven tackles and a sack versus the Jets, bringing his season total to 28 total tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and a touchdown. He and Chandler Jones have been two of the most impressive defensive rookies in the league this season.

Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower (hamstring) expects to be a game-time decision for Sunday versus the Broncos.

Hightower has put in a limited practice each day this week and says he has no pain in the hamstring. "It's up to coach. If he feels like I'm ready to go, then I'm going to go out there and do what I can," Hightower said of his stats. Tracy White filled in last week, and Bobby Carpenter was signed for depth.

Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower left Sunday's win over the Bills with a hamstring injury, but a source tells the Herald that he's "good."

Hightower tried to get back in the game by stretching and riding the bike on the sideline, but never returned to the field. It's a sign of a Grade 1, or mild, strain. The rookie declined to comment on the injury after the game.