Mayo/Wilfork Back At Practice

"Linebacker Jerod Mayo, who has been out since he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the season-opener against Buffalo on Sept. 14, and nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who sprained his left ankle last week against Atlanta, were both present for the media portion of today's Patriots' practice. The Patriots went about half-speed through special teams and Mayo participated on kickoff coverage. He was wearing baggy sweatpants, but there appeared to be a bulging outline of a brace underneath them on the right knee. Mayo's injury happened 18 days ago. The initial diagnosis for the MCL sprain was 6 to 8 weeks, but a source with knowledge of the injury had told the Globe the timetable was not that bad and Mayo could be back sooner (Boston.com)."

Great news for the Patriots, but don't get over excited. I don't think there is any way that Mayo plays this week (though I think Wilfork will). Still, it is good to see that Mayo is progressing well and could be back in the next couple of weeks. Mayo and Wilfork are really 1 and 2 in terms of importance to the Patriots, so getting them back on the field has to be priority #1 for New England.

Patriots/Jets Injury Report

"Jerod Mayo was spotted walking through the Patriots locker room this morning. He was on crutches with a brace on his right knee." According to Extra Points. Wow, what a dumb name for a blog. You'd think the people at the Globe would be able to come up with something better.

Anyway, here's the injury/practice participation list:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
LB Jerod Mayo(Knee) - DNP
C Dan Connolly (Back) - Limited
WR Julian Edelman (Ankle) - Limited
LB Rob Ninkovich (Calf) - Limited
DL Myron Pryor (Calf) - Limited
WR Matthew Slater (Elbow) - Limited
LB Adalius Thomas (Foot) - Limited
WR Wes Welker (Knee) - Limited
CB Terrence Wheatley (Knee) - Limited
QB Tom Brady (Right Shoulder) - Full

NEW YORK JETS
DL Kris Jenkins (Back) - Limited
DL Sione Pouha (Ankle) - Limited
OL Damien Woody (Illness) - Limited
WR Wallace Wright (Hamstring) - Limited
QB Kellen Clemens (Right Elbow) - Full
RB Shonn Greene (Rib) - Full
DL Mike Devito (Hamstring) - Full
LB Bryan Thomas (Ankle) - Full
LB Jamaal Westerman (Quadricep) - Full

-The Commodore

Mayo Out 6-8 Weeks

Not good news coming from the Patriots today....

"Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has a Grade III sprained MCL and the timetable for his return remains uncertain, CBSports.com has confirmed. The minimum amount of time he will likely miss is between 6-8 weeks, and a source close to Mayo admitted that he appears to have a long recovery ahead of him. A Grade III sprain represents a complete tear of the MCL as opposed to Grade I and Grade II, which are incomplete tears (Sportsline)."

This is a huge blow to the Patriots. Mayo is one of the best young LBs in the game, and now the Patriots have a huge hole to fill in the middle of that defense. Guyton took over for him when he got hurt, but I was not impressed with his play (you might also see Adalius Thomas play a lot more MLB). If I was the Patriots the first call I would be making would be to Derrick Brooks, since I believe he can at least help fill the hole. Look for the Patriots to use a lot more 4-3 while Mayo is out.

Jerod Mayo Injury Update

Well as much of an update as you can get from the Patriots...

Patriots star linebacker Jerod Mayo left last night’s game in the first quarter with a right knee injury, a potentially devastating blow to the Patriots. The reigning AP defensive rookie of the year looked to sustain the injury when engaged with a blocker, tumbling to the turf and spending several moments there. Doctors flexed Mayo’s knee, then took him into the locker room. Officially, he was listed as “questionable.” In his place, Gary Guyton moved to the middle. Coach Bill Belichick said he had no update. “I wish I did,” he said. Teammates described Mayo as being in “good spirits” at halftime. Mayo told one teammate, “It’s nothing serious (Boston Herald).”

I know there isn't much news here, but it is good to hear that Mayo told teammates that the injury was "nothing serious". Hopefully he will be back on the field quickly, because the Patriots need him in that middle of the defense, where they are very thin. We'll keep you posted in the Patriots actually let any real information out.

Mayo: Defensive MVP Next Year

Just finished reading an article from the Herald about how Mayo has just been a beast this offseasn, and has basically not left the Patriots training facility since the season ended. The defensive rookie of the year feels that he is no where near where he can be, and is just not satisfied. Basically....He's a badass, and is going to rip someone's head off next year.

"To be honest, I feel like I can get so much better," Mayo said. "Last year I felt like the season I had was ok, but I felt like I could have made so many more plays, big plays especially. I've just been watching the games from last year and [working] in the weight room, just trying to get better and learn from these vets (Boston Herald)."

That is exactly what you want to hear from a young players. There are so many veterens on this team that have had long and great careers. it is awesome that he notices that, and wants to take advantage of his surroundings.

This man may have affected how the Patriots draft from here on out. In the past they have shyed away from taking linebackers early in the draft (if at all), but now with mayo's success you would think they would be much more likely to do so. I have said it before and I'll say it again. I really hope the Pats draft another LB this year in the draft.

Jerod Mayo: Defensive Rookie of the Month

Jerod Mayo has been playing better every week for the Patriots, and today his hard work has been rewarded by winning the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month. Mayo is leading the Patriots in tackles for October with 24. If that wasn't good enough he actually leads the Patriots for the season in tackles with 55. With Bruschi's career coming to a close, it's great that a high draft pick (#10) like Mayo worked out. From here I only see him getting better, and with a great defensive line in front of him, he will have the opportunity to put up some great stats.

-BMack