New England Patriots Matthew Judon Having Surgery: Timetable?
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots will be without the services of arguably their best defender for the foreseeable future.
After sustaining a torn right biceps during New England’s 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, linebacker Matthew Judon is scheduled to have surgery to repair his injury on Wednesday, per an ESPN report.
Though an official timetable for his recovery cannot be determined until the surgery is complete, ESPN’s report indicates that Judon may be able to resume football activities sooner than expected. As such, he may make an attempt to return and play this season. Still, several factors will be considered as to whether Judon can, or should, return to the field in 2023.
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.
Cred: USA Today Images
“It’s devastating,” Patriots captain Deatrich Wise said of Judon’s injury. "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."
With Judon out for at least the next few weeks, fourth-year edge rushers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings would be the expected candidates to fill his slot. Rookie Keion White could also make the switch to play more of a three-down role at outside linebacker.
Meanwhile, the Patriots secondary is facing its own uncertain future due to injury. Rookie Christian Gonzalez reportedly suffered a torn right shoulder labrum (also during the Patriots’ Week 4 loss) and is awaiting a second opinion before determining his path to repair and recovery.
In turn, the Pats will now turn their attention to their Week 5 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. on Sunday from Gillette Stadium.
