New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower visited with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews over the last week to get a second opinion on his knee injury, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Hightower has been ruled out of Week 2 after sustaining the injury in the season opener.

Andrews has specialized in knee reconstruction in the past, and is a name no fan wants to hear.

Hightower is one of the Patriots' best defensive players and the team would struggle to replace him if he misses significant time.