Injury Report: Hightower Absent Again For Patriots; Foster Returns For Dolphins
BOSTON (CBS) -- Rob Gronkowski was back out on the practice field on Thursday. Dont'a Hightower was not.
For the second straight day, the Patriots linebacker was the only player absent from the team's practice session as they prepare to host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. A second straight DNP with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Cardinals puts some serious doubt on Hightower's availability for Sunday's home opener.
Gronkowski, who suffered a hamstring injury in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears one month ago today, was once again listed as limited on New England's practice report. Also listed as limited for the second straight day were corner Malcolm Butler (ankle), offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (knee), Nate Solder (hamstring), Jonathan Cooper (foot) and Shaq Mason (hand), defensive end Trey Flowers (shoulder) and linebacker Shea McClellin (shoulder).
New England cornerback Eric Rowe was a new addition to the injury report on Thursday, listed as limited with an ankle injury.
On the Miami side of things, center Mike Pouncey (hip) and defensive end Mario Williams (concussion) both missed practice for the second day in a row.
Dolphins running back Arian Foster (hamstring) returned as a full participant after missing Wednesday's practice, as did linebacker Jelani Jenkins (knee) and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle). Corner Xavien Howard (knee) and wide receiver DeVante Parker were both limited for the second straight day.