The New England Patriots suffered a potentially severe blow to their offensive line on Monday night, as center Dan Koppen was carted off the field soon after suffering a leg injury.
Koppen was hurt in a pile-up on a quarterback sneak, and his leg bent awkwardly under him. He immediately screamed in discomfort, and players around him had been waving for the medical staff to rush onto the field.
As Koppen rode to the locker room, players on each teams came more than to wish him well, and their expressions suggested that every person believed it was a severe injury.
Koppen is a nine-year veteran who’s been a starter because his rookie year in New England, and he has missed only one game in the last 5 years.
Backup Dan Connolly is now in at center for the Patriots, who lead 14-7 at halftime.
UPDATE: ESPN reports that Koppen has a left ankle injury and is on crutches in the locker room.
