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The New England Patriots suffered two devastating losses on Sunday, despite a getting a key win on the field against the Buffalo Bills. The first came to starting running back Stevan Ridley, who tore his ACL and MCL, and will be out for the rest of the season.
A year after falling out of favor in New England, Ridley had emerged as the Pats' No. 1 back, and was on pace to rush for 1,000 yards, a rare feat any back has reached under Bill Belichick. Shane Vereen, special teamer Brandon Bolden, rookie James White and practice squad member Jonas Gray will now look to carry the load in his absence.
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For the second year in a row, the Pats have also lost Pro Bowl linebacker Jerod Mayo for the season. Mayo suffered a knee injury during Sunday's 37-22 win over the Bills, and the injury is reportedly significant enough to sideline him for the rest of 2014.
The Patriots had to replace Mayo last year in October when he tore his pectoral muscle and was lost for the season. They're already thin at the position after losing Brandon Spikes in the offseason. Dont'a Hightower is currently hurt but could play more snaps at inside linebacker.
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Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is close to returning from a dislocated left ankle when practice resumes Wednesday. Head coach Jay Gruden said RG3 will participate in individual drills, with the hope of getting some reps during full-team work the following week.
There's a slight chance he returns for the Oct. 27 game at Dallas, which would be only five weeks after the initial dislocation, but a return against the Vikings in Week 9 seems more realistic.
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Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said Monday that running back Darren Sproles has a sprained MCL. He is expected to miss 1-2 weeks of action.
Sproles injured the knee during a rushing attempt in the third quarter of Sunday night's 27-0 win over the New York Giants. Sproles immediately grabbed the knee and hit the ground before being sent to the locker room.
The Eagles' schedule will work in Sproles' favor here. Philadelphia has entered their bye week, meaning it doesn't play its next game until Oct. 26 against the Arizona Cardinals. There is a chance Sproles will miss just one game.
Sproles has provided a major lift to the Eagles this season. The 10th-year running back is averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 12.4 yards per reception, with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown.
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Bengals receiver A.J. Green doesn't believe he will be able to go next week against the Colts. His toe injury isn't a tear, but must be fairly severe if he is worried about playing next week. He will see a doctor on Friday and maybe we will learn more then. Head coach Marvin Lewis did say Green has a shot to play this week.
The Bengals are also going to be without Marvin Jones for the foreseeable future, and the word is he could be looking at surgery on his injured ankle.