After the New England Patriots loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reported linebacker Brandon Copeland sustained a torn pectoral injury and will be out for the remainder of the 2020 season.
On Twitter Monday night, Copeland confirmed the report with an uplifting tweet stating his comeback is already underway while taking time to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
https://twitter.com/bcope51/status/1320838579942232069?s=20
Copeland signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in March after spending the previous two seasons with the New York Jets.
Through six games this season, Copeland made four starts on defense, recording 12 tackles.
Copeland also saw action on special teams, ranking third on the team in snaps behind Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.
During his Tuesday press conference, head coach Bill Belichick admitted Copeland’s absence will be tough to fill.
Brandon’s done a good job to give us some versatility,” Belichick said. “He’s played for us on all four downs, in the kicking game and some inside linebacker and outside linebacker. So, he’s an experienced player that in our situation will be hard to replace.”
With linebacker depth already thin, the Patriots will likely turn to rookie Josh Uche, who is eligible to come off injured reserve, to take Copeland’s place.
With Brandon Copeland out, here's the Patriots remaining linebackers (career games played):
-Shilique Calhoun (47)
-Ja'Whaun Bentley (25)
-Anfernee Jennings (5)
-Cassh Maluia (5)^
-Josh Uche (0)
-Terez Hall (0)*
-Michael Pinckney (0)**Practice squad
^0 career defensive snaps— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) October 26, 2020
“B-Cope is a fantastic linebacker and an even better person,” teammate Ja’Whaun Bentley said Monday. “Prayers out to him and anything that he may be going through, as far as the injury is concerned. We just wish him the best. He brought a lot to the table, as far as being a linebacker and a voice on the defense.”
Looks like Brandon Copeland suffered his season-ending torn pec on an extra point in the final minute of the first half. Chase Winovich took over his ST snaps in the second half. pic.twitter.com/mvgiQ69T00
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) October 27, 2020
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