Reports: Mayo, Ridley Out For Season
BOSTON (CBS) -- The season is reportedly over for a couple of key contributors on the New England Patriots.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, linebacker Jerod Mayo is out for the year after suffering a lower right leg injury.
A source also told ESPN that running back Stevan Ridley tore his ACL and MCL.
The Patriots have not commented on the extent of the injuries.
Mayo and Ridley left the game during Sunday's 37-22 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Related: Belichick Says No One Can Replace Mayo
Mayo suffered his injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game. He led the Patriots defense with 53 tackles on the season, and was the quarterback of the unit.
It will be hard for the Patriots to fill Mayo's shoes. They'll now rely heavily on Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins to take the next step, with help from the likes of undrafted rookie Deontae Skinner and Chris White. Skinner recorded a sack and six tackles against the Bills on Sunday.
Ridley was New England's top rusher with 340 yards in six games, running for two touchdowns and was averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He is done for the year after his injury in the third quarter on Sunday.
With Ridley out, Shane Vereen will likely step in as New England's top back with Brandon Bolden possibly serving a bigger role. Bolden has been playing mostly in special teams, but has 570 rushing yards over his three-year career, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Rookie James White could also fill in out of the back field, with fellow rookie Jonas Gray (who is currently on the practice squad) a possibility to get some carries as well.
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