New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower has been ruled out of action for between six and seven months.
Hightower underwent off-season surgery on his right shoulder after playing through last season with a labrum issue.
The 25-year-old played through the Super Bowl win over the Seattle Seahawks mostly using one arm after playing a key role in their run defense in middle and was tied second on the team with six sacks.
Hightower missed two games in weeks five and six due to a knee injury, but then sat out week 14 and 17 with the shoulder problem.
Coach Bill Belichick will be without three key players on his defense from last season after Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner both left earlier this month.
