The Patriots are counting on Jabaal Sheard becoming more of a pass-rush threat this year, after trading away Chandler Jones.
But it doesn’t appear he’s going to be doing much of anything until the regular season opener, if then.
According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Sheard is dealing with a sprained MCL, and could miss another few weeks.
He initially suffered the injury during the Aug. 11 preseason opener. If the injury is on the less serious side, a two- to four-week recovery is possible. That would put him in line to play in the regular season opener.
The Patriots also lost Rob Ninkovich to a torn triceps muscle, and Shea McClellin suffered an undisclosed injury against the Saints as well (Just taking a wild guess, he’ll be questionable).
Sheard had 8.0 sacks last year after coming over from Cleveland.
