An integral part of the New England Patriots' pass rush is dealing with a knee injury.
reports defensive end Jabaal Sheard has been dealing with a sprained MCL.
Sheard suffered the injury in the team's first preseason game. The pass-rusher's recovery timetable is 2-4 weeks, which should get him back on the field for the Pats' regular season opener versus the Arizona Cardinals.
If the recovery extends into the regular season, however, it will be another ding to New England's ability to disrupt the quarterback.
After shipping Chandler Jones to Arizona this offseason, Sheard was expected to help pick up the pass-rushing slack. Rob Ninkovich suffered a torn triceps and will likely miss the start of the season. Shea McClellin also suffered an injury this preseason.
Second-year defensive lineman Trey Flowers has stood out in the preseason and veteran Chris Long will be counted on more if Sheard's injury keeps him out for the start of the season.
Other injuries we're tracking on Tuesday:
- Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (back spasms)Â , and head coach Ron Rivera has not ruled him out for Friday night against New England, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press. Wide receiver Corey Brown with a shoulder injury.
- New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo said Victor Cruz (²µ°ù´Ç¾±²Ô)Ìý. Linebacker J.T. Thomas and participated in positional drills Tuesday.
- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of his team's injuries, only Matt Elam's is considered in the realm of season-threatening. Elam after falling on it during the Ravens' win over the Colts.
- Colts defensive tackle Henry Anderson (knee) "," head coach Chuck Pagano said.
- Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said defensive back Orlando Scandrick, and is day-to-day.
- Bills head coach Rex Ryan said defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman , quarterback Cardale Jones has a sore shoulder and tackle Jordan Mills suffered a knee injury, but the staff doesn't know the extent of the injury yet. Ryan also said wideout Sammy Watkins (foot) Friday versus Washington, but not much. Linebacker Manny Lawson will also play.
- Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak.
- Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (undisclosed) .
- Redskins head coach Jay Gruden expects first-round pick Josh Doctson. The rookie wideout has missed all of camp due to an Achilles injury, though he's increasing his rehab work toward returning to the field.
- Titans head coach Mike Mularkey said he'd like to see wide receiver Kendall Wright and cornerback Perrish Cox. Cornerback Jason McCourty is against Oakland, Mularkey added.
- Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, benched last week ," in practice Tuesday, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
