Report: Steve Gregory Has Broken Thumb, Will Miss 'A Few Weeks'
BOSTON (CBS) -- The injuries have been piling up all season on the defensive side of the football for the Patriots, but they may have dodged a bullet with Steve Gregory.
The starting safety left Sunday's win over the Steelers with a hand injury, and on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Gregory suffered a broken thumb.
Though the injury is a break, Schefter reports that Gregory's season is not over.
"[Gregory] is expected to be sidelined a few weeks, per league sources," Schefter reported on Twitter.
Gregory, 30, has been a much improved player in the Patriots' defense this season, recording 52 tackles and two passes defensed in nine games. Behind Gregory, the Patriots don't have much veteran depth. Rookie Duron Harmon was forced into action against the Steelers, and he picked off a Ben Roethlisberger heave late in the game. Aside from starting safety Devin McCourty and the rookie Harmon, the Patriots have second-year man Tavon Wilson and special teamer Nate Ebner on the roster.
The Patriots lost defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly and linebacker Jerod Mayo to season-ending injured reserve already this season, and they've played the last few games without cornerback Aqib Talib. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich also left Sunday's game against the Steelers, though early reports indicate his injury is not serious.
The Patriots do not play this week and will next take the field on Monday, Nov. 18, at Carolina.
After that, the Patriots host the Broncos on Sunday night in Week 12 before traveling to Houston in Week 13. The Patriots are back home against the Browns for Week 14 before making trips to Miami and Baltimore and then ending the season at home against Buffalo.
