When New England Patriots linebacker and defensive team captain Dont'a Hightower stayed on the ground with an injury during last week's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, the eye-test did not look good. After all, Hightower appeared to have hurt his knee – the same one that forced him to start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
However, the 27-year old remained on the sidelines and started working out on an exercise bike. And even though he did not re-enter the game, the early outlook seemed positive. A report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport just one day later added to the optimism surrounding Hightower's injury: According to Rapoport, the linebacker had suffered a minor MCL sprain.
However, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, Hightower has sought a second opinion on his injured knee. According to Reiss' report, the five-year veteran has asked noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews for his opinion on the injury. Andrews is among the leading experts on ligament damages and reconstruction and has worked with multiple Patriots players before.
Andrews also has close ties to the Patriots’ medical director Dr. Mark D. Price, who once worked alongside Andrews in Alabama. If Rapoport’s initial report does stem from Price’s diagnosis, New England has to hope that his former colleague agrees and Hightower’s injury is indeed a minor one.