Dont’a Hightower, Rhamondre Stevenson out for Patriots’ Week 7 matchup with Jets

Dont’a Hightower is dealing with a pair of injuries.

The New England Patriots won’t have linebacker Dont’a Hightower for the team’s Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Hightower was dealing with an elbow and ankle issue, and did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Friday. He was listed as questionable for the game, along with 14 other Patriots. New England will need linebackers Ja’Whaun Bentley, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins to pitch in to cover for Hightower.

New England’s other inactive included running back Rhamondre Stevenson, tight end Devin Asiasi, offensive lineman Yasir Durant, cornerback Shaun Wade and outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins. J.J. Taylor will likely take on Stevenson’s role as the change-of-pace running back.

New England also elevated defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale and offensive line James Ferentz to the active roster from the practice squad. Cornerback Jon Jones ended up on IR on Saturday with a shoulder injury.

The Patriots and Jets are kicking off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

[listicle id=113593]