The Patriots have seen several key players get hurt in the last few weeks and safety Devin McCourty was added to the list on Sunday night.
McCourty had to leave the victory over the Texans after injuring his ankle, but initial word is that they won’t have to worry about replacing him once the postseason gets underway.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that X-rays on McCourty’s ankle were negative and that he suffered a sprained ankle. Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that there’s some fear that McCourty is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, but Rapoport reports that it is “nothing that’ll cause him to miss the playoffs.”
If it is a high-ankle sprain, there’s a good chance it will cost him some regular season time. Duron Harmon replaced McCourty against Houston and would likely remain in the lineup if McCourty is held out while he’s recovering.
Running back LeGarrette Blount, defensive tackle Dominique Easley and linebacker Jonathan Freeny also suffered injuries during the game. Their status is unlikely to be updated by the team before they release their first practice report of the week on Wednesday.