The New England Patriots saw one of their starting defenders leave Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter.
Cornerback Carlton Davis, who under normal circumstances is playing close
to 100% of snaps each week, exited the field early in the period for the blue medical tent. He later emerged, only to head down the stairs into the Patriots locker room.
A short time later, the team announced him as questionable to return with a groin injury. In his place, Charles Woods entered the lineup and promptly gave up a 16-yard catch to Buffalo wide receiver Joshua Palmer.
Davis, 28, was one of the Patriots’ big free agency signings this offseason. Joining the team on a three-year, $54 million contract, the former Buccaneer and Lion immediately took over as a starting outside cornerback opposite All-Pro Christian Gonzalez.
So far this season, Davis appeared in all 14 games and entered the Buffalo contest having played 96% of defensive snaps. He had 55 tackles as well as eight pass breakups to his name by the time he left Sunday’s contest.
