FOXBORO, Mass. — One of the New England Patriots’ best defenders remained out of practice Thursday.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower missed his second consecutive practice after injuring his knee during the Patriots’ Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Hightower was the lone absence in the padded practice.
Offensive lineman Ian Silberman replaced offensive tackle Clay DeBord on the practice squad.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was limited with a hamstring injury Wednesday, appeared hindered again. Gronkowski also didn’t speak to the media Thursday, which typically isn’t a good sign for that player’s game availability.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
