While New England Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower came off the injury report this week, fellow LB Jamie Collins was added with a hip injury. The injury to Collins is serious enough that Collins is not expected to play, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Questionable Patriots expected to play today: LeGarrette Blount, Martellus Bennett, Julian Edelman.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 16, 2016
Not expected to play: Jamie Collins.
The Bengals rely heavily on their rushing attack so the availability of Collins would have definitely helped the Patriots defense.
LB Jonathan Freeny was placed on the injured reserve on Saturday night and he was the most likely replacement for Collins. Instead, don’t be surprised if we get our first long look at LB Barkevious Mingo, who played the same weakside linebacker role as Collins during the preseason.
Hightower will hold down one starting linebacker spot, while rookie LB Elandon Roberts and Mingo will likely serve as the other two linebackers. Don’t be surprised if Shea McClellin or Rob Ninkovich see time as stand-up linebackers, too.