Report: Patriots Linebacker Dane Fletcher Tears ACL in Preseason Game

It’s the biggest fear for players and coaches during the NFL preseason: an injury.

Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher is the one unfortunately dealing with one on Thursday, after reportedly tearing his ACL in New England’s first preseason game of the year.

Fletcher was covering a punt early in the first quarter when he suffered the injury, which if true, likely means his season is over. Last season, the 25-year-old recorded 32 tackles in 10 games for the Pats.

With Fletcher’s injury, rookie linebacker Dont’a Hightower will likely have to shoulder a bigger load for Bill Belichick‘s defense.