New England Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher’s injury not looking good – NFL News
New England Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher will be out for a considerable period as his injury is looking worse than before, according to Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick talked to the media via conference call and gave brief details about the severity of Fletcher’s injury. Belichick said:
"He might be out for a while. It's unfortunate because he's worked hard. He had a really good offseason and training camp."
Fletcher was looking forward to playing his third season in the league before he tore his anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) while playing a preseason game against New Orleans Saints on Thursday. Patriots won the game 7-6.
In the first quarter of the game, Fletcher was about to cover a punt when he hit the floor with a bang. The medical team hurried towards him and analysed his left knee. He was helped off the field by the paramedics.
Fletcher’s injury comes as worrying news for Patriots who are already facing a few injury problems in the defensive team. Coach Belichick confronted the matter and said:
"We have good competition at that position and it will be an opportunity for somebody else to step in, but it's unfortunate for Dane."
Fletcher had a very good offseason and was looking to become the starter in the defensive line-up come the start of the season in place of injured Brandon Spikes.
Fletcher started Thursday’s game in place of Spikes. He was also hoping to play some role in the special team.
In the absence of Fletcher and Spikes, Bobby Carpenter is likely to become starter. Dont’a Hightower will play at Fletcher’s position, while Carpenter will play at Hightower's position.
Carpenter is a seven-year veteran and has previously played with Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.
Patriots added him this offseason to provide the much-needed experience at linebacker. Coach Belichick praised Carpenter’s skills and said:
"He's a very experienced player and he's played inside and outside in the 3-4 and he's played different positions in a 4-3 and nickel defenses. He has a lot of experience in the kicking game. So he's done a lot of different things. He's a versatile player
with a lot of experience."
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