Patriots Rumors: Key Defender, Captain Reportedly Out For Season

The New England Patriots appeared to have lucked out with earlier reporting suggesting that linebacker and captain JaWhaun Bentley. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Bentley could return to play for New England’s next game after leaving Sunday’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks with a shoulder injury.

The team did list Bentley under “did not participate” on the team’s projected injury report entering the week.

That story changed in tune Monday night.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that Bentley’s shoulder injury is far more significant. It is rumored to be a torn pectoral muscle and will cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

That changed reality would be a massive blow to a New England defense that already dealt Matthew Judon before the season. The defense remains relatively youthful and needs the veteran guidance that Bentley provides.

The Patriots linebacker had 12 tackles and 1/2 sack to begin this year after posting three consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles for New England.

The Patriots will have to adjust on a short week when they take on the New York Jets on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. ET to start Week 3 of the NFL season.