BBass

I'm becoming concerned with Jonathan Fanene continuing to be out. We gave him by our standards big money as a FA and he showed well early in camp. Since then he has been MIA and is expected to miss his second preseason game tonight.

He is new to the defense and has shown a history of missing extended regular season games with injury. My view is that he needs to get back out on the field soon or risk being this years Shaun Ellis. He is a key to our sub packages and getting Vince reduced snaps in passing situations.

In addition I don't see him being cut and it would be a shame to see someone like Francis slip away if we are not going to get the Fanene we paid for.

Thoughts?

ClevTrev

Understood. True to the Pats' way, we'll know no details of this injury until a roster decision is made. You make good points regarding his value. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the way the Patriots get an advantage is to manage their roster depth in the absence of certain players. I expect Fanene to come back at some point, and the team will manage to win with or without him.

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Sicilian

I'm concerned as well, but holding my worry until after the third preseason game. I think it's possible that, with so many young and unproven players on the DL, they're being more cautious with Fanene's injury because he's a veteran and they "know" what he can do already. Players like Bequette, Forston, Francis, etc need the reps to see who stands out. Even guys like Trevor Scott (who's a veteran but is coming off an injury year) need to prove themselves.

I'm hoping that's the case, but until Fanene is actually out on the field it's open to speculative worry.

BBass

Well I guess it was a lot bigger then I thought if he is gone. Had high hopes for him here as a sub rusher.