Pats linebacker Jerod Mayo leaves with knee injury

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was concerned about the severity of linebacker Jerod Mayo's right knee injury after a 37-22

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was concerned about the severity of linebacker Jerod Mayo's right knee injury after a 37-22 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

''Obviously, it was a little bittersweet with Jerod going down in the first half, so I hope he's OK,'' Belichick said without going into detail.

When asked what the impact of the starting linebacker's injury might be, Belichick added: ''We'll go forward this week and see what we think the best thing is to do.''

Mayo did not return after being carted off the field midway through the second quarter. He was hurt while stopping Anthony Dixon on a 3-yard gain up the middle. Mayo hit Dixon then was buried under a pile of players.

The Patriots (4-2) also lost starting running back Stevan Ridley (right knee) and starting guard Dan Connolly (concussion).

Ridley was hurt late in the third quarter, when he was upended by Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore on a 2-yard loss. Ridley landed hard on the turf and had to be helped off to the sideline by trainers.

Belichick had no update on Ridley or Connolly's injuries, except to say both will be evaluated Monday.

The Patriots face a short week in preparing to host the New York Jets on Thursday.

Connolly's concussion has the potential of further depleting New England's offensive line. Rookie starting center Bryan Stork did not play against Buffalo because of a concussion.

For Buffalo (3-3), reserve linebacker Ty Powell did not return after hurting his ankle in the second half.

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