The Super Bowl champions will be without a key member of their defense for a while after learning on Thursday that linebacker Dont'a Hightower will likely miss six to seven months following offseason shoulder surgery, according to The Boston Globe.
Hightower, 25, was a first-round pick by the Patriots in 2012. He has quickly developed into one of the premier run stuffers in the league. He recorded 89 tackles and six sacks last season, despite playing hurt.
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Hightower underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum on Feb. 12., and might not be ready for the start of the season. The Patriots have already lost both starting cornerbacks to free agency, and starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer underwent the same surgery as Hightower after the season.
Every time it looks like the Patriots might relinquish their steady hold on the AFC East, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick find ways to win games. New England has had success in the draft in recent seasons, and may need to again this season with all the losses.