Here is my surprisingly optimistic view on these injuries:
Regarding those injured tonight...
* Connolly left the game early with a concussion, but I don't think he has much of a history. Wendell had a concussion last week and played this week, so I expect a similar pattern to follow.
* It is reported that Talib sustained a hip flexor injury, and that it isn't too serious. Given how the Pats play the Jets, Dolphins and Steelers next, I think they can afford to let him rest through the Bye Week - That's 4 week recovery time.
* Amendola was KO'd before he even hit the ground, which is scary. I am seriously wondering if it would be in HIS best interests to simply be shut down for the year and try again next year. He was quite invisible tonight before the injury.
* Mayo is perhaps the most worrisome, to me anyway. He left the game in a sling, implying some sort of structural damage. Hopefully it's just a shoulder separation and he can return after the Bye, but if anything is broken then I don't know if this defense can survive without him AND Wilfork and POSSIBLY Talib.
On returning players...
Armond Armstead, are you ready? He is eligible to return this week and if he can give anything that would be a much needed boost for this DL.
If Amendola is out for a prolonged period of time or is IRd, Mark Harrison is a big rookie who is also eligible to return.
Shane Vereen will be back and ready to go in week 11, they can get by until then without him... I hope.
The big question is still Gronk. If he can come back this season, red zone won't be such a problem with this team. If he isn't back by week 11, then this offense is truly in serious trouble.
A lot of things to monitor for sure.