Mayo: Out with a knee boo boo.
The Patriots are preparing for the Jets this Sunday, but will be forced to rely on other condiments at the linebacker position. That “not so serious” knee injury turns out to be an MCL sprain that will keep Jerod Mayo sidelined for the next four weeks, minimum. (Reports are between 3 and 8 weeks). There’s no surgery for MCLs, you just sort of let it heal on its own.
This means that the already depleted defense (who have now lost 3 of their 4 2008 starting linebackers) will be taxed just a little bit more. Gary Guyton will wear the green dot against the Jets, signifying that he’s got the radio link to the sidelines and will be calling out the plays on the field.
The Man Who Ate the Defense: Vince Wilfork's role and importance on D is expanding by the minute. How fitting.
I wouldn’t expect a Derrick Brooks – esque signing to bolster the D. The Patriots are more likely to promote from within considering their apparent preseason goal of getting younger and faster at the linebacker position. Look for the names Eric Alexander and Rob Ninkovich as guys that may sub up in the depth chart while Mayo is sissying around with his MCL boo boo. BUT… you never know. Man I miss that Vrabel guy.
I’m excited to see how this second year undrafted free agent continues to develop. The Pats seem pretty high on him, he got ample playing time towards the end of last season and has been inserted in Bruschi’s old slot on field. Guyton had 4 solo tackles last sunday in the Patriots win over the Bills.
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