Patriots' Hightower will not return vs. Cowboys

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower left Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys with a rib injury and will not return.

Hightower walked off the field under his own power during the first quarter. Prior to leaving the game, he recorded four tackles and a sack.

With Hightower sidelined, Jonathan Freeny was inserted into the team's base defense. If Hightower is out for a significant time period, it would be a devastating loss for the Patriots, as he's part of one of the league's best linebacking trios alongside Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo.