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FOXBORO, Mass. -- A rib injury held Dont'a Hightower out of the final three quarters of the New England Patriots' 30-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, but the starting linebacker was back at practice Wednesday.

Patriots left tackle Nate Solder, who's reportedly out for the season with a torn right biceps, was the lone Patriots player absent from practice. There were no new Patriots players on the practice field, so it appears Solder hasn't officially been placed on injured reserve yet.

Hightower paced the Patriots' sideline before leaving for the locker room during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. He didn't return to the sideline in the second half of the game.

If Hightower can't play against the Indianapolis Colts, Jerod Mayo and reserve linebacker Jonathan Freeny likely would see increased snaps on defense. Jon Bostic, who was acquired during the bye week in a trade with the Chicago Bears, was inactive against the Cowboys but could also receive playing time if Hightower's injury lingers.

Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images