Another Ugly Injury Riddled Game For the Patriots
Chuck Cook - USA TODAY Sports
New England’s bad luck continued on Sunday after several key players got banged up during their win over New Orleans.
Rob Gronkowski (Groin), Eric Rowe (Groin), Rex Burkhead (Ribs) and Phillip Dorsett (Knee) were injured Sunday, with Chris Hogan joining that group after he looked hobbled and was spotted on the sideline icing his knee.
Hogan’s injury seemingly happened late in the first half and he was spotted by cameras with a trainer asking him as he was coming off the field, “You O.K.?”
“Yeah, I think so,” said Hogan, motioning to his leg.
Gronkowski’s injury came after a big play where he picked up 21-yards on a 2nd-and-7 late in the third quarter that helped set up a 24-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. He was tackled hard after making the reception with more than one defender on his back, and took himself out of the game after the play.
He was seen going into the medical tent, and later came back out and was on the exercise bike but didn’t see action after that. He was a little coy after the game, smiling and telling reporters he would talk that later but said, “I’m fine.”
The Patriots also lost a player on the defensive side of the ball, with Rowe joining Gronkowski as he reportedly also suffered a groin injury.
Meanwhile, Burkhead seemingly suffered his injury at some point in the first half after he didn’t see action in the second half.
As for Dorsett, he was knocked out after a productive performance, with the newcomer catching 3 passes for 68 yards, including a 38-yard grab that set up New England’s final field goal of the day.
Bill Belichick had little to say about the injuries after the game, with the coach simply saying that they’ll have to just try and work with whoever they have available.
“We’ll do the best with what we have, the best we can,” said Belichick.
It certainly creates a challenging situation as the team gets ready to take on the Texans next Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
Posted Under: Patriots Injuries
