Report: Patrick Chung Undergoes Surgery on Thumb, Status Uncertain for Patriots’ Game With Bills

The Patriots were dealt a pretty good blow to their offense when tight end Aaron Hernandez injured his knee in Sunday's win over the Chargers. They may have also sustained a shot to the defense as well.

ESPN.com reports that Patriots safety Patrick Chung underwent surgery to repair an injured right thumb. It is unknown at this point how much time, if any, the third-year safety will miss. His status for Sunday's game in Buffalo is unknown.

What is known, however, is that Chung did not practice on Wednesday. The Patriots listed him on the practice report as missing the session with a hand injury.

Chung left Sunday's win over San Diego with the injury, but he did return in the fourth quarter with a cast on his hand.

If Chung does miss an extended period of time, it would be a big loss for a Patriots defense, as the Oregon product has become a leader on the New England defense.