Hightower (rib), Solder (elbow) knocked out of game

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The Patriots lost linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the first quarter on Sunday to a rib injury. The team announced later that he would not return.

After attempting to make a tackle, Hightower spent an extended few minutes on the ground while Patriots trainers tended to him and checked on his mid-section, unstrapping his shoulder pads at one point.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who rarely steps onto the field to check on an injured player, walked toward Hightower to get a better look. But soon after Belichick got onto the field, Hightower sat up and walked off the field under his own power.

Hightower sat on a bench on the Patriots sideline with trainer Jim Whalen for a few moments and later left for the locker room.  

The Patriots defense continued to play well even with one of its defensive leaders out, allowing the Cowboys just 59 total yards and holding them to one field goal. The Patriots lead going into the second half, 13-3.

The Patriots saw a starter on the offensive side of the ball go down as well when left tackle Nate Solder injured his right elbow in the third quarter. He did not return to the game, and swing tackle Marcus Cannon played the remainder of the night at left tackle.

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