Veteran Patriots linebacker suffers injury vs. Dolphins

Mike Masala

Veteran Patriots linebacker suffers injury vs. Dolphins image

The New England Patriots' front seven has struggled this season, and they suffered another loss on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium that will make things more difficult.

In the second quarter, Patriots linebacker Sione Takitaki hit Dolphins tight end Julian Hill after losing the ball, and the veteran linebacker remained down on the field.

Takitaki remained on the ground for a bit, walked off the field under his own power and left for the blue medical tent on New England's sideline.

The Patriots signed Takitaki to a two-year $6.65 million deal this offseason. Entering Sunday, he had appeared in five games, recording four total tackles and playing 23% of the team's defensive snaps.

If Takitaki can't continue, New England will be left with just Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss at inside linebacker. Safety Marte Mapu could move down if needed.

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala