The New England Patriots reportedly received semi-positive news on the injury front.
Defensive end Jabaal Sheard sprained his MCL during the Patriots’ Aug. 11 preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported Tuesday, citing a source.
The knee injury should sideline Sheard for just two to four weeks, as his MCL sprain isn’t considered “overly serious,” according to Howe. Some sprained MCLs take four to six weeks to heal.
If his MCL heals in just four weeks, Sheard would be back in time for the Patriots’ season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 11.
Sheard is expected to be the Patriots’ starting right defensive end this season. Rob Ninkovich, the Patriots’ starting left defensive end, is dealing with a torn triceps and is expected to miss the beginning of the season. Veteran Chris Long and second-year pro Trey Flowers have been filling in for Ninkovich and Sheard on the defensive line.
The Patriots also have Shea McClellin (who’s dealing with an injury), Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson.
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