Not only did the Patriots suffer an ugly defeat to the Browns on Sunday, but they’ve also got to be concerned about some injuries this week.
Here is the Monday health checkup.
Kicker Stephen Gostkowski suffered a right thigh injury — his kicking leg — in the first half and remained on the bench for the rest of the game. Head coach Bill Belichick said after the game Gostkowski’s leg tightened up, and they’ll have to wait to see how he recovers.
Cornerback Kyle Arrington suffered a right leg injury during the second quarter while trying to tackle Chansi Stuckey. Arrington remained on the ground for a minute or two while receiving attention from the medical staff, but he was able to return in time for the defense’s first series of the third quarter. Arrington only missed one defensive series in the second quarter, and it came when the Browns were running out the clock before halftime.
Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter and briefly left the field to loosen it up on the sideline. Wilfork later returned.
Linebacker Brandon Spikes popped up on the injury report Friday after being limited in practice with a knee issue, but Spikes started Sunday’s game. Spikes stretched out the leg with the training staff prior to kickoff.
Safety Patrick Chung missed his second consecutive game with the knee injury he suffered in San Diego. Chung has been limited in the Patriots’ last five practices, and he was ruled out Saturday afternoon. Chung was a game-time decision last week, so Saturday’s early prognosis indicates one of two things: Either Chung suffered a setback, or he simply isn’t improving as fast as they originally hoped.
Running back Fred Taylor missed his fifth consecutive game with the toe injury he aggravated against the Bills. Taylor hasn’t practice since Sept. 24, and there hasn’t been any precise timetable given for his return.
Safety Jarrad Page missed his third consecutive game with the left calf injury he suffered against the Ravens. Page hasn’t practiced for the last three weeks, and he has been wearing a sleeve over the calf during a handful of appearances in the locker room. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
