Injuries piling up
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots is assisted off the field after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kyler Murray’s non-contact knee injury was one of the biggest storylines to come out of this game, but the Patriots had their share of injuries too. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), wide receiver DeVante Parker (head), cornerback Jack Jones (knee), and safety Devin McCourty (not listed) all left the game with injuries, with Stevenson, Parker, and Jones all coming out of the game early in the first quarter and McCourty late in the game.
Parker, Jones, and McCourty didn’t return to their game after their respective injuries. Stevenson played one additional series after being helped off the field initially, but didn’t return after that.
All four of these injuries come in key spots. Stevenson has been the Patriots’ best offensive player this season, and is responsible for almost 40 percent of the team’s touches this year. He can more than double the touches (217) of the next closest player on the roster, Damien Harris (97). Losing him would create a major shakeup for the Patriots’ offense.
Parker hasn’t gotten the ball as regularly, but he’s been impactful when he has. His 19 yards per catch lead all qualified NFL receivers this year. He’d be a big loss for an offensive unit struggling to create big plays.
Jones leaving the game highlighted the Patriots’ lack of depth at the boundary cornerback position. With Jalen Mills (groin) already inactive for the game, they were stretched thin. Marcus Jones lined up on the boundary, with Shaun Wade seeing significant time in the slot.
As for McCourty, it appeared he was pulled off the field by the independent concussion spotter late in the fourth quarter when the game was pretty much out of reach. With a short week coming up, his situation will be one to monitor.