The Patriots have been dealing with injuries on defense since before the 2023 season started, but it took a bigger blow on Sunday when both Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez left the 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys early with injuries.
Judon is dealing with a lower bicep tendon tear while Gonzalez dislocated his shoulder. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, both players are seeking second opinions and will be out indefinitely, which would only add to the holes on defense the Patriots are facing.
Jack Jones (hamstring), Marcus Jones (torn labrum) and Jonathan Jones (ankle) have all missed time this season and it’s unclear of their exact return date. But even with the team being down some key players — especially Judon who’s not only a leader on the team but one of New England’s most talented players — the Patriots are ready to step up.
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“Matt and Christian, they’re definitely big pieces to the defense for sure,” Ja’Whaun Bentley said on Monday. “But I would say that we have a great group and in our defensive room. Obviously this is not necessarily nothing we’re new to. We’ve experienced guys going down and things like that. We always had that next man up mentality and we just gotta implement that again. Just having the next guy be ready to go. I know we will. And guys have got to step up and be ready to take on either a bigger role, or be more dominant in the role they already have.”
Both Bentley and Kyle Dugger wouldn’t go too deep into the extent of their teammates’ injuries. But Dugger acknowledged if Judon the Patriots will continue to lead in Judon’s absence.
“He definitely is a leader for us and I think he will continue to be,” Dugger said of Judon. “We all try to pull and lead the way that’s best possible for us and the team. So that’s what it’s gonna continue to be.”
Gonzalez has had a tremendous rookie season and has stepped into a big role on the defense. He’s earned the trust of Bill Belichick and has been a bright spot through the first four weeks of the season.
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After an ugly loss in Week 4, the Patriots now are shifting their focus to the 2-2 New Orleans Saints in Week 5. There are three players eligible to return from injured reserve, but it’s unclear if any of them will be activated.
And with the team looking at going into the game likely without Judon and Gonzalez, they’ll certainly need everyone to be at the top of their game.
