New England Patriots Facing ‘Devastating' Injuries to Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez in Dallas Cowboys Loss

The New England Patriots may have suffered more than a mark in a loss column in their 38-3 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys.

The New England Patriots incurred a demoralizing 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. However, the defeat may be the least of their concerns moving forward. 

Despite falling to 1-3 on the season, New England’s once formidable defense appears to have suffered two potentially pernicious injuries to arguably its two top players. 

The Patriots lost rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a shoulder injury in the first quarter, while linebacker Matthew Judon exited the game with a biceps injury early in the fourth quarter. 

At present, it seems likely that New England will be without their services for the foreseeable future — at least, in Judon’s case. 

Judon left the game with 13:45 left the fourth quarter while attempting to make a tackle on second-and-11 at the Dallas 25. Judon appeared to get his arm caught on a Cowboys blocker and fell to the ground. He remained down while holding his elbow/forearm before quickly heading to the blue medical tent. Judon was then led to the locker room for further evaluation. 

NFL Network originally reported the expectation surrounding Judon’s injury is that he would “miss some time.” However, per a subsequent report from ESPN, Judon suffered a lower bicep tendon tear. He is expected to undergo an MRI to determine the length of his absence from the field. 

“It’s devastating,” Patriots captain Deatrich Wise told reporters. "We'll be with him mentally throughout this year. And I know he'll be with us too. There'll be some guys behind him who will be stepping up and filling into his spot."

If Judon is forced to miss extended time, fourth-year edge rushers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings would be the expected candidates to fill his slot. Also, rookie Keion White could make the switch to play more of a three-down role at outside linebacker. Of course, the Patriots will cross that proverbial bridge once they know the extent of Judon’s injury. 

Matthew Judon's potentially season-ending biceps injury only added to the Patriots' woes Sunday against the Cowboys / Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While an update on Gonzalez’s injury was not immediately available on Sunday night, WEEI reported that he sustained a dislocated shoulder and would undergo an MRI upon returning to New England to determine the injury’s severity. When attempting to tackle Cowboys running back Tony Pollard on first-and-10 from the New England 25, Gonzalez awkwardly jammed his shoulder. Though he was able to get up under his own power, he was immediately taken to the blue medical tent for observation. Shortly thereafter, he headed to the locker room for further evaluation, questionable to return. Within seconds of the start of the second half, Gonzalez was ruled out for the remainder of the game. 

The newly-crowned offensive player of the month (September) has performed up to — and even, beyond — expectation throughout New England’s first three games. Losing him for any period of time would further weaken a secondary which is already decimated by injury. Second-year corners Jack and Marcus Jones are already on injured reserve, while veteran Jonathan Jones has missed the past three games with an ankle ailment. New England’s depth chart of healthy corners could be down to Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade (who is dealing with a minor shoulder injury of his own), and rookie Ameer Speed. 

It’s the dark side of football when guys get injured,” Wise said of the injuries to Gonzalez and Judon. “When guys get injured, we rally around them mentally, so they know they’re still a part of the team to let them know when you get back, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. But while you’re rehabbing...we’ll be with you. Until then, there are guys behind that can (fill in). We have great guys around us that can make plays too.” 

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