Hightower activated from PUP list, Solder returns

FOXBORO — Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who signed a new deal with New England as a free agent during the offseason, was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list and practiced with the team Tuesday in Foxboro.

Nate Solder, who's been dealing with an injury for much of camp and hasn't played in either of the first two preseason games, was also with his teammates on the practice field Tuesday afternoon.

Hightower, who forced a key fumble in Super Bowl LI that was recovered by Alan Branch, was placed on the PUP list just as Training Camp opened. While the injury was unspecified, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported that Hightower was rehabbing a knee injury.

"It's good to have those guys back," said Rob Gronkowski. "I've been in that situation before (coming back) and it makes you feel good to be back out there helping your teammates"

Devin McCourty believes that when veteran players rejoin the team it's a big boost for everyone.

"It's great for players but even better for those guys," said McCourty. "For Nate and High (Hightower), I"m sure they are happy to just put the pads on and play some football"

This Friday night in Detroit, the Patriots will play their third preseason game and with the regular season opener less than two weeks from that game, it will be interesting to see if or how many Patriots regulars play against the Lions.

"We never know how much we are going to play until close to gametime, so we're preparing like its any other game," said McCourty.

For many of the guys who do play on Friday night they will be fighting for a roster spot. Jobs are on the line and defensive back Cyrus Jones knows that he might be one of those guys fighting for a roster spot.

"I"m just going to do my best with the chances I get," said Jones. "We have a ton of talent and depth on this team. I'm just trying to get better every play"

Cox Media Group