EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Patriots never-ending run of injuries struck a key member of their offensive line Sunday, as Sebastian Vollmer was carted off the field after having his lower left leg rolled over during a run play on the team's first offensive series.
However, it may be not as serious as it first appeared. According to multiple reports, the Patriots are hoping the injury is a sprain and that Vollmer will be able to return for the playoffs. They'll know more after an MRI on Monday.
The injury occurred on New England's first third-down attempt of the game when Brady handed the ball off to fullback Joey Iosefa at the Patriots 39-yard line. Iosefa was stopped quickly but spun forward to get back to the line of scrimmage. When Iosefa went down, Vollmer's left leg bore the weight of part of the pile and his upper body was bent back awkwardly.
Vollmer one of the team's most indispensable players. Given the Pats' lack of depth at offensive tackle, the argument can be made that he's the team's third most important player, after Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.