The New England Patriots faced a challenging setback during their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, with injuries compounding their troubles beyond just losing the game. The Patriots' linebacker corps in particular took a significant hit, as two key players exited the game prematurely due to injuries.
Ja'Whaun Bentley's Season-Impacting Injury
Ja'Whaun Bentley, one of the Patriots' standout linebackers, tore his pectoral muscle during the contest. Initially labeled as questionable to return, Bentley’s injury was later confirmed to be severe enough to keep him sidelined for an extended period. This development is particularly disheartening considering Bentley’s consistent performance over the years. At 28 years old, Bentley has become a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense, regularly delivering over 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons.
In their Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Bentley demonstrated his invaluable presence by amassing 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Drafted in 2018 as a fifth-round pick, Bentley quickly established himself as a critical player. Despite his promising start, his rookie season was cut short due to another injury, though he did make two starts that year. Notably, the Patriots clinched their sixth Super Bowl title during Bentley's rookie campaign, marking a bittersweet start to his professional career.
A Look at Bentley's Career Stats
Bentley’s contributions to the Patriots' defense have been robust year after year. In the 2020 season, he recorded 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Last year, he upped his game, logging 114 tackles and a career-high 4.5 sacks. Bentley has spent his entire professional career with the Patriots, continuously proving his value on the field.
Oshane Ximines Adds to the Injury List
Additionally, linebacker Oshane Ximines also exited the game early due to an injury. This double blow leaves the Patriots' linebacker unit in a precarious position as they navigate the rest of their season.
Raekwon McMillan Steps Up
In the wake of Bentley’s injury, Raekwon McMillan will step into the starting lineup to fill the void. McMillan, a second-round pick from the 2017 draft, is no stranger to high expectations. He is currently in his fourth season with the Patriots, although his journey in the NFL includes stints with the Miami Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his career, McMillan has accumulated 33 career starts, including one for the Patriots during the 2022 season.
Unfortunately, McMillan missed the entire 2023 season after suffering an Achilles injury in the spring. His return to the lineup is a crucial one, both for his career and for the Patriots' defense, which now heavily relies on his ability to deliver on the field.
The Patriots are facing a period of uncertainty with key players sidelined due to injuries. The team's resilience will be put to the test as they adapt to these significant losses. Bentley’s consistent performance and leadership will be missed, but McMillan's return offers a glimmer of hope. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Patriots manage these challenges and strive to maintain their competitive edge.