Patriots Injuries: New Update On Team Captain After Week 2 Exit

The Patriots might not have to worry about replacing one of their most important players Thursday night.

New England was dealt a blow in the first quarter Sunday afternoon when Ja'Whaun Bentley sustained a shoulder injury at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots at halftime ruled Bentley out for the remainder of the contest against the Seattle Seahawks, which suggested the injury was more than a bump or a bruise.

Fortunately for Bentley and the Patriots, they appear to have dodged a bullet. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday morning reported New England is "optimistic" the team captain will suit up in Week 3 against the New York Jets, as "the injury does not appear serious."

Playing without Bentley is not something the Patriots are accustomed to. The 2018 fifth-round pick only missed two games across the last three seasons and played every defensive snap in New England's season-opening road win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Having Bentley available Thursday night would be a huge boost for the Patriots, who will be running into a New York Jets offense that found its groove Sunday after a Week 1 dud. And even at this stage in Aaron Rodgers' career, having a full slate of defensive weapons is always a plus against an offense led by the legendary quarterback.