Hightower on Brady, Gronk absences: ‘It’s not going to stop us from working’

FOXBORO -- The train has to keep moving. Even with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski left on the platform (or hanging in a warm locale miles and miles from the platform), the Patriots offseason program continues to churn.

On Thursday, following OTA practice No. 5 of 10, Dont'a Hightower explained that the team has gone about its business as usual even without two of its 2017 captains choosing not to participate.

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"As far as work goes, it’s honestly the same, man," Hightower said. "[Brady]'s a big part of this team, and he means a lot to us in the locker room, but as far as the culture goes, it’s always been next man up. Whether it’s 12, or Gronk, or me missing, or whenever [Jerod] Mayo went down, or [Vince] Wilfork or whatever, it’s always been next man up. That’s the kind of way Bill [Belichick] has built this culture is whenever the next guy is up, they’re just looking for that next chance and opportunity.

"Guys come in and we work hard every day. We’re not going to work harder just because 12’s not here or because Gronk’s not here. Dwayne Allen’s doing a great job. [Will] Tye’s doing a great job. [Troy] Niklas is doing a great job. All of these guys are getting those extra reps and getting better and wanting to contribute to this team. Honestly, it hasn’t changed. I feel like everybody comes in, we’re all doing our workouts, we’re all doing our film and we’re not missing any meeting time. Whenever he gets back, we’ll be glad to have them both, but it’s not going to stop us from working."

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The Patriots benefit from having leaders not named Brady or Gronkowski. Before the team's second OTA workout, the first that was open to reporters, Belichick went out of his way to praise the leadership his team has received from the likes of Hightower and Edelman. Other captains from last season - David Andrews, Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon - have been present for all workouts and practices.

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Without Brady and Gronkowski, the Patriots clearly aren't the same team. And, relative to years past, they may be lacking some percentage in the leadership department. But those who are around, like Hightower, clearly feel good about the work being done in the absence of the two future Hall of Famers who aren't quite ready to get back to work.