Patriots safety Bret Lockett was carted off the field during the second quarter of Thursday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now it looks like the injury he sustained could cost him the season.
Lockett suffered a torn groin and abdomen, according to NESN.com's Jeff Howe.
Lockett suffered the injury on a punt in the second quarter with the Patriots up 21-0. The 24-year-old has a history of injuries, as he missed all of last season and appeared in only 10 games the year before.
While Lockett's most notable contributions with the Pats have been on special teams, he was expected to challenge for one of the team's safety spots.
