Patriots DE Deatrich Wise in walking boot during offseason workouts

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Patriots' offseason workouts have officially kicked off, but without a potentially important piece of the defense. Third-year defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. is currently spending the offseason program in a walking boot as he rehabs from an undisclosed injury, as first reported by ESPN's Mike Reiss.

More importantly, the injury isn't expected to affect Wise's status for the 2019 season. Wise played all 16 regular season games for the Patriots in 2018, but missed the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Chargers due to an ankle injury. He was inactive for the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, but did not appear on the injury report.

Wise played 30 defensive snaps in Super Bowl LIII against the Rams. He recorded five tackles and a quarterback hit in the Patriots' 13-3 victory.

Barring a setback, it appears that Wise will be fully recovered by the start of training camp in July. He could be counted on to take a step forward in his third NFL season as the defensive line reforms itself in the wake of losing Trey Flowers to the Lions and adding Michael Bennett via trade.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.