The New England Patriots faced numerous injuries in the first half of their preseason home opener against the Carolina Panthers, but none seemed more serious than that of Brandon King.
The 26-year-old linebacker appeared to be in serious pain after suffering an apparent left leg injury during a second-quarter punt return. After some examination from the Patriots’ medical staff, the cart was brought out to take King off the field.
About 20 players left the New England sideline to encourage King before he was assisted to the cart. Former Patriots’ wide receiver Chris Hogan also came over from the Carolina sideline.
It’s not clear how serious the left leg injury is, but the cart was brought out for King rather swiftly, which is never a good sign. If it is in fact serious, King would be a huge loss for New England’s special teams unit.
Ben Watson and Damien Harris also left Thursday night’s game during the first half due to injury.
