It looks like Patriots defensive end Andre Carter could miss some significant time.
Carter was carted off the field in the first quarter during Sunday's victory against the Broncos, and the Patriots ruled him out with a knee injury.
However, Carter suffered an injury to his left quad, and it looks like it will need to be surgically repaired, according to a source. Nothing is set in stone yet with plans for surgery, but signs point to that being the case.
If Carter needs surgery, it could put the remainder of his season in jeopardy, which would be a huge blow to New England's defense. Carter became the third player to record double-digit sacks during Bill Belichick's tenure in New England, and he was one of the two best players on the Patriots' defense in 2011.
The 32-year-old signed a one-year contract over the summer after he thought his career was over. He immediately stepped into the locker room and became one of the team's greatest leaders.
"That's tough because Andre put so much into it — his leadership alone, he gives a lot to this team, not just the defense," defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said. "To see him go down, just to know how hard he works, that's tough."
Wilfork spoke to Carter when he was lying on the field, and the defensive captain said Carter spoke to the team at halftime, telling them not to worry about him and to play hard in his absence.
"It's a big blow for us," Wilfork said. "That guy has been playing some real good football for us, and we're definitely going to miss his presence out there on the field, however long he's out. It's a tough loss for us."
