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Report: Aaron Hernandez’s Ankle Likely Not Broken After Patriots Tight End Injured

The Patriots have one of the best offenses in the league and are especially stacked in the receiving corps.

Unless, that is, those receivers and tight ends are on the sidelines, bandaged up.

New England's passing attack took a hit Sunday afternoon when Aaron Hernandez hurt his ankle in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. Hernandez, who was blocking on a screen pass in New England's opening possession, had his ankle twisted up and under him by Julian Edelman, who fell on his right leg. Hernandez was helped off the field and into the locker room.

Hernandez's return was termed as "questionable" by the usually tight-lipped Patriots, although both Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald and Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe reported that Hernandez's ankle was not broken.

Source: Aaron Hernandez's ankle is not broken bit.ly/RVoeJJ

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 16, 2012

X-rays negative for Aaron Hernandez – no broken ankle. other potential damage unknown at this point.

— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) September 16, 2012

Albert Breer of the NFL Network said the injury was a high ankle sprain.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez's injury is believed to be a high ankle sprain.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 16, 2012

Hernandez is in his third year with the Patriots and just signed a long-term contract extension. He has become a vital part of the Patriots' offense, lining up as a wide receiver, fullback and tight end. He caught 79 passes for 910 yards and seven touchdowns last season.