The Patriots are up 20-17 in the third quarter, but they lost another player to injury.
Wide receiver Danny Amendola was drilled by Saints safety Rafael Bush at the end of a nine-yard run around the left side of the line. Amendola had lowered his shoulder in an attempt to reach a first down, but dropped immediately to the turf after Bush hit him. The ball came out and Amendola made no effort to protect himself as he fell to the turf.
The Patriots have announced Amendola will not return.
Medical staff helped Amendola to his feet, but the receiver looked woozy as he took his first steps toward the Patriots bench. The Patriots were flagged for holding on the play, knocking them back 10 yards and helping stall a promising drive. Stephen Gostkowski’s 54-yard field goal moved them back into the lead.
Cornerback Aqib Talib is also out of the game for New England. His return has been called questionable with a hip injury.