Jerod Mayo and Stevan Ridley lost for the season

Injuries demoralized the Patriots Sunday. (Mike Groll - AP)
The biggest takeaways from yesterday's game were the injuries to RB Stevan Ridley and LB Jerod Mayo. As two of the leaders of this team, losing them was a huge blow to the Patriots, but also served as a rallying cry that carried the team in the second half. Going forward, this Thursday night's game will be their first test without these two players, as both have been ruled out for the rest of the year.

Adam Schefter reported that Mayo is done for the year with a lower right leg injury that "is bad".



The injury occurred as Mayo began to make a form tackle on a Bills running back. Mayo's knee buckled as he drove into the player. It is near impossible to replace an All-Pro linebacker like Jerod Mayo, and the Patriots know this. As several players, and Bill Belichick, have mentioned that it will take more than one player to step up to fill the void Mayo leaves. With Dont'a Hightower not being 100%, it will cause Jamie Collins to step up as the leader of the defense, as he did last year when Mayo went down. To take his roster spot, it is possible that Deontae Skinner or Ja'Gared Davis fill the void, or practice squadder Darius Fleming could be brought up. Today, in response to Mayo's injury, the Patriots worked out five LBs. The Patriots could look outside for help, and a name being thrown around is Pat Angerer, but given the Patriots not working him out, could mean he's not on their radar.



As for Ridley, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss reported that the running back suffered a torn ACL and MCL, which will end his season.



The injury occurred in the fourth quarter, after having his feet taken out from under him causing Ridley to land awkwardly on his leg. He immediately went to the ground, pounding his fists into the turf in frustration. Given the depth of the Patriots running backs, it only makes sense to see them keep the position in house with the likes of Shane Vereen, James White, and Brandon Bolden all splitting carries. Other than the current RBs on the roster, the Patriots could also promote practice squadder Jonas Gray, who has a downhill style of running that the current backs lack. Outside options include Michael Bush and former Patriot Benjarvus Green-Ellis, but I highly doubt the Patriots go this route given the point in the season and the lack of game time for these backs of late.

Both injuries hurt the Patriots and their chances of a Super Bowl title, but it does not end the hope for this season. Last year the Patriots lost more and made it to the AFC Championship game. While the team will look to find alternatives for both starters, it won't be a perfect fix. Going forward, expect numerous roster moves for the next several weeks until the Patriots find a personnel grouping they feel confident about.

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