Patriots' Defense Receives Crushing Double-Dose of Injury News

New England could be without injured pass rusher Matthew Judon and first-round rookie Christian Gonzalez entering Week 5.

On the heels of Sunday’s monster 38–3 loss to the Cowboys, a pair of devastating injuries reportedly threaten to drastically impact the Patriots as the team looks to regroup entering Week 5.

New England star pass rusher Matthew Judon and first-round rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be out indefinitely after suffering injuries against Dallas, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday.

Both players, per Schefter, are expected to seek second opinions on their injuries, with Gonzalez nursing an injured shoulder and Judon sustaining a lower bicep tendon tear. Gonzalez’s injury occurred in the first quarter and eventually led to him being ruled out early in the third while Judon was hurt late in the fourth.

#Patriots Pro Bowl edge Matthew Judon suffers and injury late in the game against the #Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/15pClj401t

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 1, 2023

With their long-term statuses still unknown, the likely absences of Gonzalez, the No. 17 pick out of Oregon, and four-time Pro Bowler Judon will deal a major blow to the Pats' struggling defense going into a Week 5 home game against the Saints.

Through four weeks, New England ranks 10th in total yards (297.0) and 20th in points (24.3) allowed per game. On the year, Judon has tallied 14 tackles and four sacks, and Gonzalez has logged 17 tackles, one sack, and an interception.