The Patriots may have to go without another defensive starter for the next few weeks.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that safety Steve Gregory broke his thumb in Sunday’s victory over the Steelers and is expected to miss a few weeks as a result of the injury. Gregory has started seven of the team’s nine games this season and has been wearing the communication device in his helmet the last couple of weeks, which will lead to a switch in how the signals are relayed to the defense in New England for a little while.
Gregory has made 52 tackles and broken up two passes for the Patriots this season. Duron Harmon is the likely replacement for Gregory in the starting lineup.
The Patriots have already lost nose tackle Vince Wilfork, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and linebacker Jarod Mayo for the season from a defense that held up very well while the team’s offense found its footing. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich was also forced out of Sunday’s win with an injury, although there’s no word on if he’s at risk of missing time when the Patriots return to work in Week 11.