Patriots top pass rusher and former Ravens edge rusher Matt Judon will likely miss the team’s game against the Steelers after he was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Judon suffered a torn biceps tendon and had surgery on it. While the team does expect him back at some point at the end of the year, with Pittsburgh hosting the Patriots on December 7th for Thursday Night Football, it seems unlikely that Judon will play in that game.
That is a blow for the Patriots, who rely so much on defense. Top rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez will miss the rest of the season after tearing the labrum in his shoulder, requiring surgery. That will give whoever the Steelers’ tackles are at that time, but likely Broderick Jones, an easier matchup than usual. Since going to New England from the Patriots, Judon has become of the most feared pass rushers in the AFC.
Judon has 66.5 career sacks and is a four-time Pro Bowler. Before his injury, he had already posted four sacks this season after coming off a career year with 15.5 sacks in 2022. In 2023, Judon had been a Pro Bowl selection in four straight seasons dating back to 2019 during his time with Baltimore. Guys like Josh Uche, rookie Keion White, and Anfernee Jennings will see more playing time without him.