Dont’a Hightower – Noteworthy
LB Dont’a Hightower, a Pro Bowl selection in 2016, has just 11 total tackles in three games.
James White – Noteworthy
RB James White had a touchdown catch Sunday against the Detroit Lions. He has 14 receptions for 125 yards and two scores, and has 66 rushing yards on 13 carries this season.
John Simon – Noteworthy – Transaction
DE John Simon signed with the Patriots on Wednesday.
Simon, 27, is a veteran of five NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2013), Houston Texans (2014-16) and Indianapolis Colts (2017). The 6-2, 260-pounder was released by Indianapolis on Sept. 1.
Simon was a fourth-round draft pick (129th overall) by Baltimore out of Ohio State in 2013. He began his second NFL season on the Baltimore practice squad before being signed to Houston’s 53-man roster and was with the Indianapolis Colts last season. In 54 NFL games, Simon has 99 total tackles, 13 sacks, one interception that he returned 26 yards for a touchdown, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Kenjon Barner – Noteworthy – Transaction
RB Kenjon Barner re-signed with the Patriots. The 29-year-old Barner was signed by the Patriots on Sept. 11 and released eight days later.
The 5-9, 195-pounder was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2013 draft out of Oregon. Barner went through training camp with the Carolina Panthers this summer and has also had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers. He has appeared in 44 regular-season games with one start and has 77 carries for 317 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to 21 receptions for 127 yards. He also has experience as a kick returner.
Trey Flowers – Important – Injury
DT Trey Flowers practiced Wednesday and the Pats need him desperately to return against the Miami Dolphins. Flowers is the team’s best pass rusher and he is a free agent at the end of the year. Flowers, who left the Jacksonville game in the first quarter and has not played since, has shown his value with his absence.