There were some boos in the Georgia Dome when Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork hobbled off the field.
But any concerns from Falcons fans that he might just be trying to slow the pace of play were put to rest a few moments later.
Wilfork was just hauled to the locker room with his right shoe and sock off, after being checked by trainers. His return has been termed questionable.
That leaves the Patriots very thin inside, leaving them to rely on Tommy Kelley and a pair of rookies in Joe Vellano and Chris Jones.