The New England Patriots won Sunday night’s road game against the Atlanta Falcons, but lost their difference maker in the middle on defense, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, possibly for the rest of the year, with a torn right Achilles. The injury occurred in the first quarter on the Falcons’ first possession when Wilfork appeared to step on another player’s foot. Wilfork limped to the sideline under his own power after the play, but was later taken off the field on a cart.
Wilfork has been a difference maker for the Patriots, especially against the run. Coming in to Sunday night’s game, Wilfork was listed on the Patriots’ injury report for the first time all season with an unspecified foot injury.
Now, the Patriots will have to look to replace the 10-year veteran and 5-time Pro-Bowler. Their depth at the defensive tackle position is thin and the likely fill-ins right now appear to be veteran Tommy Kelley and rookies Joe Vellano and Chris Jones.
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