By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Monday saw more bad news for an already banged-up and struggling Patriots defense.
During his Monday press availability, Bill Belichick announced defensive tackle Beau Allen won’t play for the team in 2020. “He just won’t be ready in time,” Belichick told reporters.
Allen was one of the Patriots top free agency acquisitions this spring, signing a two-year, $7 million contract back in March. He was brought in as a replacement to Danny Shelton, who played a crucial role in the Patriots’ run defense in 2019, then left in free agency.
MORE: Why isn’t Chase Winovich playing?
However, an undisclosed injury kept him off the field for training camp and the first half of the regular season. The Patriots elected to keep him on the initial 53-man roster before moving him to IR, which seemed like an indication they were counting on him coming back this season. He started practicing for the first time last week, but according to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride he suffered a leg injury during practice – a setback that has ultimately cost him the season.
For New England’s 27th ranked rush defense, losing Allen is a blow even though he never played a snap. The Patriots are without a healthy true nose tackle on the roster right now. The closest player to that mold – Lawrence Guy – left Sunday’s game early with a shoulder injury.
The remaining interior defensive linemen on the Patriots’ roster are Adam Butler, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis (who has missed time due to a concussion), and Nick Thurman. They also have UDFA Bill Murray on the practice squad.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.
Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.