The Patriots have lost their most versatile — and perhaps most valuable — running back to a torn ACL in his right knee.
Kevin Faulk took the hit from Jets defensive back Drew Coleman near the sideline during Sunday's 28-14 loss at the New Meadowlands, and the Boston Globe first reported Faulk's injury is a torn ligament.
Faulk, who two weeks ago was named a team captain for the second time in his career, is the only player on the Patriots' roster who has been with the organization longer than head coach Bill Belichick. The do-it-all running back was far and away Tom Brady's most reliable backfield blocker — remember, he was serving a one-game league-mandated suspension in 2008 when Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Chiefs — and Faulk was their best asset in the passing game.
The 34-year-old shot down the idea that he thought about retirement last offseason, but those rumors still surfaced. Depending on the severity of the ACL tear — the Patriots haven’t announced anything about Faulk's status and haven’t given any indication if he'll be placed on injured reserve — it's a possibility Faulk has played his last down in the NFL. However, Faulk is one of the most genuine, determined, hardworking players in the locker room, so it would be foolish to ever count him out.
Because of Faulk's unique skill set and intangibles, he'll be irreplaceable this season. But moving forward, the Patriots will need more from running backs Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Pats also signed Danny Woodhead, who is a sub back that, the Patriots will hope, can serve a similar role as Faulk.
They've also got rookie Javarris James on their practice squad, and the Patriots could potentially promote him to the active roster if they aren’t as comfortable with Woodhead.
While no one can directly replace Faulk, the Patriots still have some decent depth at the position, and they'll continue trying to overcome the latest injury that has stricken this team in the young season.
