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Pats LB Hightower active after missing 2 games

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Linebacker Dont'a Hightower and cornerback Brandon Browner are active for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets.

Hightower missed two games with a knee injury. Browner served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, was put on the 53-man roster after the fifth game and missed Sunday's 37-22 win at Buffalo game with an ankle injury.

The Patriots announced a few hours before Thursday night's game that linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back Stevan Ridley were placed on season-ending injured reserve. Both hurt their right knee Sunday. Running back Jonas Gray and offensive lineman Chris Barker were promoted from the practice squad and active for the game.

Wide receiver Greg Salas is inactive for the Jets. Also inactive are defensive back Josh Thomas and offensive lineman Wesley Johnson. Both joined the Jets this week after cornerback Dee Milliner and left guard Brian Winters went on season-ending injured reserve.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL