Report: Matthew Slater Has Broken Bone in Hand, Availability Against Buccaneers in Question

The Patriots can’t take another injury, especially to one of their captains.

Special teams captain Matthew Slater may have a broken bone in his hand, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. The injury could force the two-time Pro Bowler to miss time. His status for this weekend’s game against the Buccaneers is in question.

Slater, 28, is one of the best special teams players in the NFL and a team leader for the Patriots. He usually plays on all four of the team’s special teams units, but he’s best known for his work as a gunner on both punt and kick returns. He also serves as the team’s sixth wide receiver but rarely sees any snaps at the position.

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