New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who played through a shoulder injury late in the 2014 season, posted a picture on Instagram on Tuesday in which he had his arm in a sling.
NFL Network and the Boston Herald reported that Hightower would require surgery after the season.
The 2012 first-round draft pick is coming off arguably his best season with the team. Coaches credited him with 92 tackles (second on the team), six sacks, 12 quarterback hits, two passes defended and one forced fumble.