Report: Patriots uncertain about Devin McCourty’s status for Week 8

Patriots safety Devin McCourty isn't expected to miss an extended period of time after getting injured during Sunday's win over the Jets. As first reported by Evan Lazar of CLNS Media, McCourty "avoided a serious injury" diving for an interception in the second quarter. McCourty didn't return to the game after the play, with the team announcing it as an abdomen injury.

Lazar added that McCourty's status is "week-to-week" and that "his status for this week is uncertain." The Patriots face Justin Herbert and the Chargers on the road this upcoming Sunday. Through seven games, the Chargers are averaging 8.9 yards per completion and 301.7 passing yards per game, ranking third in the NFL in both categories.

If McCourty can't play on Sunday, it will be his first missed game since 2015. The 2010 first-round pick has missed just five games total in his career so far.

When McCourty left the game on Sunday, the Patriots rotated Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger into the deep safety role. Myles Bryant can also play deep safety, although he was used as the slot corner last week with Jonathan Jones out. The team recently singed safeties Elijah Benton and Sean Davis to the practice squad.

Whoever steps in, McCourty's loss will still be felt by the entire defensive unit. After Sunday's game, Bill Belichick referred to McCourty "quarterbacking the secondary" when he is on the field.

We'll likely get our next update on McCourty on Wednesday, when the first injury report of the week is released.

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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.