New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (shoulder) is expected to avoid offseason surgery.
Hightower dealt with knee and shoulder injuries throughout the year. He missed three games, but was never fully healthy. This is good news for Hightower's free-agent stock after he reportedly turned down more than $10 million annually from the Patriots before the season.
The Patriots' defense ranked 11th in the league by opponent-adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play this season.
Source: Rotoworld.com