Pats’ Hightower stays on schedule

LOWELL — Dont’a Hightower could see the question coming and diagnosed it like a running play unfolding before him on the field.

While being asked whether he had a target date in mind for when he would return from a torn labrum injury at the end of last season, the Patriots linebacker was ready.

“Is that what you want me to give you?” Hightower said with a smile yesterday. “Honestly, I don’t have a target date. I’ve seen the doctor and everything’s going great right now. I’m right on track if not a little ahead of schedule. It’s just something that’s going to take time. I can’t say three weeks or whatever. It feels great. I’m doing good. The doctor loved everything.

“I’m ahead of schedule, so…