SOURCE: PATS’ HIGHTOWER OUT REST OF SEASON
A person familiar with the situation said Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower will miss Sunday’s game against the Chargers and is facing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.
The surgery will be for a torn pectoral muscle, the person told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday because it has not yet been announced by the team.
Hightower left last Sunday’s win over Atlanta in the second half with the shoulder issue and sat out the first practice of the week on Wednesday. He’s missed two games this season with a knee injury.
It comes as a blow for a Patriots defense that has improved in recent weeks, but continues to rank last in the NFL in total defense giving up 426.7 yards per game.
In March, Hightower signed a new four-year deal worth $35.5 million.
Watt announces plans.
J.J. Watt has announced plans for how the more than $37 million he raised in the wake of Hurricane Harvey will be distributed.
The Texans defensive end will divide $30.15 million of the donations between Americares, Feeding America, SBP and Save the Children.
The money will go toward rebuilding child care centers and homes and providing food and health care to those affected by the storm. He’ll hold on to $7 million for now and distribute it next year after his group assesses the continuing relief efforts.
Watt began the fundraising campaign in the days after the storm with the goal of raising $200,000, but kept upping the target as donations poured in.
“You have truly shown what is possible when everyone bands together for one common cause,” Watt said of donors. “While we are going to do some truly incredible things with this $37 million to make it stretch as far as possible, it is only one small step in the massive recovery effort that lies ahead.”
Boldin can explore trade option.
ORCHARD PARK,
N.Y.» Turns out, wide receiver Anquan Boldin may not be retired yet.
An NFL source said the Bills granted Boldin permission to explore the possibility of being traded to another team.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills and Boldin haven’t announced it. ESPN.com first reported the development and posted a copy of the letter of permission the Bills issued to Boldin.
Footnotes.
Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett won’t travel with the team to London because of a concussion. The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Team officials had been hoping Garrett would be well enough to make the trip, but he stayed behind when they left Thursday night. … The Lions signed offensive tackle and Ralston Valley High School alumnus Dan Skipper to the active roster from the practice squad and released offensive tackle Bryce Harris.