Dont'a Hightower
New England Patriots defensive lineman Chase Winovich runs a drill during an NFL football training camp practice, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
Abram, Simmons among 2nd-year players poised for breakouts

By Josh Dubow Aug. 24, 2020 12:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Green Bay Packers nose tackle Kenny Clark (97) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark admits he's surprised at how many players are passing on 2020. Although he is not considering it, he understands why the number of NFL opts outs surpasses the total for Major League Baseball, the NHL and NBA combined. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
On Football: Opt outs should not have doubts or a deadline

By Barry Wilner Aug. 03, 2020 05:07 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2019, file photo, New York Jets inside linebacker C.J. Mosley warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in East Rutherford, N.J. Mosley has chosen to opt out for the NFL season because of family health concerns, two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
AP sources: Jets LB C.J. Mosley opting out of NFL season

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Aug. 01, 2020 02:59 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos nose tackle Kyle Peko (90) takes part in drills during the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo. Peko is opting out of the season because of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
On Football: NFL opt outs more prevalent than many expected

By Barry Wilner Jul. 29, 2020 03:22 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 file photo, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. Defensive end Joey Bosa has agreed to a six-year, $135 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple people familiar with the decision. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, July 28, 2020 because the contract has not been finalized.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
NFL training camps opening with eye on baseball, babysitting

By Barry Wilner Jul. 28, 2020 05:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) speaks with members of the media following an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass. The New England Patriots extended safety Devin McCourty's contract Sunday, March 15, 2020. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Post-Brady Patriots cut costs as free agents depart

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 18, 2020 06:37 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Vikings pick up 5 additions to Pro Bowl, including Cousins

By Dave Campbell Jan. 21, 2020 03:53 PM EST

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Pats going for sweep of Bills, 11th straight AFC East title

By Kyle Hightower Dec. 19, 2019 04:29 PM EST

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower speaks with reporters in the team's locker room following an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Patriots not fretting about their few Pro Bowl selections

By Kyle Hightower Dec. 18, 2019 05:50 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor (97) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots 12/8/2019

Dec. 08, 2019 04:47 PM EST

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots at Houston Texans 12/1/2019

Dec. 01, 2019 08:36 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, in Foxborough, Mass. With no defensive coordinator and coach Bill Belichick calling the plays, a veteran group of "Boogeymen" linebackers and stingy secondary lead a unit that is allowing a league-low 11 points per game have forced a NFL-best 27 turnovers. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
Small tweaks have helped Pats' defense to dominate in 2019

By Kyle Hightower Nov. 07, 2019 05:10 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, rolls out to pass under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Offensive production increases as Pats' schedule toughens

By Kyle Hightower Oct. 28, 2019 05:05 PM EDT

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles as Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) close in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
ICYMI in NFL Week 8: Pats D finds end zone again

By Eddie Pells Oct. 28, 2019 03:25 AM EDT

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) runs against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Wembley Stadium in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
NFL Today, Week 8

By The Associated Press Oct. 27, 2019 09:40 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield walks on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Browns turn it over 3 straight plays, lose to Patriots 27-13

By Jimmy Golen Oct. 27, 2019 07:51 PM EDT

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, rolls out to pass under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Belichick wins 300th, perfect Patriots beat Browns 27-13

By Kyle Hightower Oct. 27, 2019 07:44 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, left, passes against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots 10/27/2019

Oct. 27, 2019 04:43 PM EDT

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The Latest: Patriots, 49ers stay perfect going into Week 9

By The Associated Press Oct. 27, 2019 12:48 PM EDT

New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) recovers the ball fumbled by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, left, after Darnold was sacked during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Patriots blitz Jets, gain more confidence with Browns next

By Kyle Hightower Oct. 22, 2019 06:01 PM EDT