The Patriots earned their 11th victory of the season with Sunday’s drubbing of the Bears, but they’ll have to monitor one very key injury this week.
Here’s the Monday health checkup.
Cornerback Devin McCourty suffered a rib injury while forcing a fumble in the second quarter, as he came down hard on the frozen grass. McCourty returned for a few plays in the next possession, but the rookie didn’t play in the second half.
Defensive lineman Gerard Warren suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, possibly while slipping during a one-on-one battle with Bears left tackle Olin Kreutz. Warren remained on the field for the rest of the series, and he actually won a key third-down battle before hitting Bears quarterback Jay Cutler at the end of the drive. Warren missed the entire second quarter, but he returned to the game in the third quarter.
Defensive lineman Ron Brace suffered a head injury during Chester Taylor’s touchdown run in the third quarter, and Brace did not return. His return was listed as questionable.
Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite missed his fourth consecutive game with a hip injury. He didn’t practice last week, and there is no timetable for his return.
Defensive lineman Myron Pryor missed his fifth consecutive game with a back injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday and did not practice Friday. It’s unclear when he’ll return.
Defensive lineman Mike Wright missed his third consecutive game with a concussion. He has not practiced since suffering the concussion against the Colts, and he won’t be able to play until he is cleared.
