The 1-2 New England Patriots travel to Levi’s Stadium to play against the 1-2 San Francisco 49ers for their fourth regular season game of the 2024 season. The Patriots are coming off a disappointing 3-24 loss to the New York Jets last Thursday night. The defense did not play well, allowing 27 first downs, 400 total yards, including 267 passing and 133 rushing, and a 40:04 time of possession.
They will have their hands full against the 49ers’ shorthanded offense. One crucial defensive starter will not play.
The New England Patriots captain suffered a significant injury in Week 2
Patriots middle linebacker and defensive captain Ja’Whaun Bentley exited the first quarter with an apparent shoulder injury in their 20-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Although the Patriots initially ruled him questionable, he did not return to the game. Tests last Monday determined that Bentley tore his pectoral muscle and would likely miss the rest of the season.
The Patriots didn’t place him on injured reserve right away, even though his injury is season-ending. They ruled him out for Week 3 after not participating in practice.
He will miss the rest of the season
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN NFL Nation, after a long wait, the New England Patriots have finally placed Ja’Whaun Bentley on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2024 season. Losing Bentley for the season negatively impacts the defense because they lose their middle linebacker (who wears the green dot), their captain, leader, and one of their best players. As Reiss points out, Kyle Dugger will replace him as their captain on defense.
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley will be placed on injured reserve today, according to Jerod Mayo.
Mayo says that safety Kyle Dugger will be a captain in his place. Mayo adds that Dugger was nearly a captain in the initial vote.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 25, 2024
Who starts at MLB?
Raekwon McMillan will replace Ja’Whaun Bentley as the starting middle linebacker. McMillan has been with the Patriots since 2021 but has battled injuries throughout his tenure, causing miss to miss 35 games, including the entire 2021 and 2023 seasons. The front office loves him, and now he gets an opportunity to shine as a starter. He is excited about the opportunity.
“It’s coming at the expense of my brother being down, but I’d say it’s an opportunity for me,” McMillan told reporters in the Gillette Stadium locker room on Tuesday.
“It’s a new chapter. It’s a new part of my career. Hopefully, I can finish it off the right way — really finish it off.”
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