Patriots' Aqib Talib injured vs. Ravens, leaves game

Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib left the AFC Championship with a thigh injury. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

New England Patriots quarterback Aqib Talib injured his thigh in the first quarter of the AFC Championship game on Sunday did not return in the Patriots' 28-13 loss.

Talib appeared to limp off the field after breaking up a third-down pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin. The CBS broadcast showed Talib going into the Patriots' locker room, at which point he was listed as questionable to return.

Talib returned to the sidelines later in the first half but never returned to the game. He was replaced by Kyle Arrington.

The Patriots pass defense struggled without Talib, their shutdown cornerback. In the third quarter, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco completed 11 of 18 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Flacco threw another two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cement the Ravens' lead at 28-13.