Imagie courtesy of
So, how do the Patriots replace Hightower? You can’t. You cannot replace his versatility or his skill set. You can replace him within the scheme but what Hightower’s does in this defense is irreplaceable. Veteran David Harris will start for the rest of the season along with Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts. Marquis Flowers, Cassius Marsh and the newly acquired Trevor Reilly will provide depth. All six linebackers do different things well but with the exception of Van Noy, none of them can play all three downs like Hightower.
Injuries and attrition are a part of life in the NFL. If Joe Thomas can get hurt, anyone can get hurt. Unfortunately, that doesn’t lessen the blow of losing Hightower. it is a huge blow to a defense that has been struggling this season and is thin at linebacker. With the trade deadline looming, the Patriots will be in the market for a veteran linebacker but they may have to overpay to acquire one.
Many teams shied away from signing Hightower this past off-season because of his lengthy injury history. The Patriots waited patiently and once the market settled, they gave him a $47 million dollar contract. Is Hightower worth it? Sure, he fits the scheme and is one of the best players in the league at his position. However, one has to wonder if the Patriots should have made such a long term commitment to a player who cannot stay on the field? It is a question worth pondering.
Either way, the Patriots have to move on now and try to win without Hightower. They do not have a choice. That is life in football. Next man up isn’t just an analogy in football. It is reality. Bottom line. You don’t replace a player like Hightower on or off the field.