The Patriots are now down arguably their most important piece at the skill position. In the second quarter of New England's Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints, running back James White took a third-and-3 carry up the left side of the field. After converting to move the chains, he was brought down awkwardly and injured on the play. He was quickly examined by team trainers and eventually carted off the field and into the Patriots locker room. Not too long after he was carted away, New England ruled White out for the rest of Sunday's contest with a hip injury.
It is now being reported that the injury is expected to end White's season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.
James White was carted off the field and ruled out with a hip injury.@NFLonFOX | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/v8FOYAyrJG
— FanSided (@FanSided) September 26, 2021
White had been a key outlet this season for rookie Mac Jones out of the backfield. Coming into Sunday's game, White had 32 yards on the ground and a touchdown while catching 12 of his 13 targets for 94 yards.
In his absence, the Patriots will lean on Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor out of the backfield. Veteran Brandon Bolden, who primarily plays on special teams, is the only other back currently on the game-day roster. Rookie Rhamondre Stevenson was inactive against the Saints, but he certainly have a role going forward with White expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 campaign.
