Hightower on shelf again
FOXBORO — The Patriots defense has made significant strides the past month during linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s reemergence. Now, the unit might have to continue that progress without him.
Hightower won’t play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers because of a right shoulder injury, and he could be out even longer, according to a source. The timetable remains undefined, as the extent of the injury is being evaluated.
Hightower injured his shoulder in the third quarter Sunday night against the Falcons while stretching out to tackle running back Devonta Freeman. He immediately grimaced in pain as he hit the ground.
Hightower played through a torn right shoulder labrum in 2014, including the playoffs, so he has an incred- ible threshold for pain. He missed only two regular-season games down the stretch while rehabbing the injury.
If Hightower is dealing with a similar injury, the twoyear captain could return to the field quicker than most, at least based on his history.
Hightower missed two games earlier this season because of a sprained right knee. He returned in Week 4 and, after initially playing more on the edge, shifted back toward the middle of the defense in Week 5 when the Patriots kicked off a threegame winning streak during which they’ve allowed 12.7 points per game. They were allowing 32 points per game through Week 4.
The Patriots promoted linebacker Trevor Reilly from the practice squad yesterday. Kyle Van Noy will continue to call the plays as their top inside linebacker, and Elandon Roberts, David Harris and Marquis Flowers will provide depth. Shea McClellin, who returned to practice last week, can be activated from injured reserve as early as Week 10 when the Pats visit the Broncos.
Making progress
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has started to feel better, according to a source. And to reinforce that point, Gilmore was on the practice field on a limited basis for the first time since Oct. 14 when the Patriots placed him on the injury report because of a concussion.
It’s unclear if Gilmore’s improved status will translate to a return to game action Sunday. He still has to work his way through the five-step, independent concussion protocol, and head injuries are unpredictable.
Gilmore likely suffered his concussion while in coverage for a third-down incompletion against Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in Week 5. He played 71-of-72 defensive snaps that night, so he was able to play through it. The symptoms didn’t worsen until later in Week 6 as the Patriots prepared to visit the Jets, and he was ruled out the day before the game.
Cornerback Johnson Bademosi has started the past two games in place of Gilmore, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract in March.
Sack dance
Undrafted rookie Adam Butler was understandably excited to record his first career sack Sunday night when he dropped Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on national television.
He burst into a wild celebration, and the Vanderbilt product has laughed at it a few times this week.
“Oh my god, I’ve looked back at the replay many times,” Butler said. “In the moment, I didn’t even realize what I was doing. All of the stress and work from camp until now, it just came out in excitement.” . . .
Chargers running back Melvin Gordon has gotten off to a roaring start with 117 carries for 394 yards, 29 catches for 228 yards and seven touchdowns.
“He is a great runner,” defensive tackle Alan Branch said. “He has great feet. He has a hell of a stiff arm, and his vision is at the top of the league. We’re going to have our hands full.”
Amendola on list
Hightower, receiver Danny Amendola (knee), defensive tackles Malcom Brown
(ankle) and Lawrence Guy
(chest) and defensive end Cassius Marsh (shoulder) were new additions to the injury report, while Bademosi (abdomen) was removed.
Amendola has had knee issues for years, including earlier this season. Marsh has dealt with shoulder issues since arriving in a trade from the Seahawks in Week 1. Brown was injured against the Falcons, while Guy’s injury is unclear . . . .
To make room for Reilly, linebacker Harvey Langi was put on the non-football injury list because of his involvement in an Oct.13 car accident. Langi primarily played on the edge, while Reilly has played in the middle . ...
Defensive tackle Mike Purcell was signed to the practice squad.