FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the themes of the week for the New England Patriots is that they'll approach Friday night's preseason game at the Detroit Lions somewhat similarly to how they would a regular-season game. And with the regular-season opener just 16 days away, linebacker Dont'a Hightower's availability becomes a bigger storyline.

Hightower, one of the team's defensive captains, opened the year on the physically unable to perform list. The expectation has been that he will be available when the games count for real, and if that is to be realized, his return to practice shouldn't be far off.

The Patriots practice today -- media members get an abbreviated look at the session at approximately 12:40 p.m. ET -- which will provide the first indication of whether Hightower is ready to return.

Hightower was spotted wearing a brace over his right knee during training camp as he worked with other players coming back from injuries.

In past years, the Patriots usually have had their top players on the field for the longest stretch in the third preseason game. Part of that is for conditioning purposes, as well as continuing to acclimate to game-like rhythm and speed.

In addition to Hightower, other key injured players to monitor as the focus shifts to more of a regular-season type feel include starting left tackle Nate Solder, running back Mike Gillislee, linebacker Shea McClellin, special teams captain Matthew Slater, core special teamer Brandon King, offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.