FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is inactive for Saturday's home game against the New York Jets, as the team is taking a cautious approach with his injured knee. Hightower, who had missed practice on Thursday, had officially been listed as questionable.

This will mark the third game Hightower misses this season, as he had been inactive for wins over the Dolphins (Sept. 18) and Texans (Sept. 22).

He had also been used in a limited role in last Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos, playing 42 of 62 snaps. Kyle Van Noy, who will likely have the green dot on his helmet as the primary communicator on defense, had played a linebacker-high 51 snaps last week. Van Noy, Shea McClellin and Elandon Roberts are the top three active linebackers.

In addition to Hightower, the Patriots also made special teams captain Matthew Slater (foot) inactive as part of a cautious approach.

The other inactives are quarterback Jacoby Brissett, cornerback Justin Coleman, running back D.J. Foster, offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle and receiver Danny Amendola.

For the Jets, quarterback Christian Hackenberg, running back Matt Forte, linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, offensive tackle Donald Hawkins, wide receivre Jalin Marshall and defensive linemen Brandin Bryant and Steve McLendon are inactive.