Safety Kyle Dugger would be big loss for Patriots following ankle injury
Per the Boston Herald , Patriots safety Kyle Dugger missed Wednesday's walkthrough after suffering an ankle injury in Monday's loss to the Bears. It's a major loss if Dugger misses any time.
In a league filled with secondary players who can struggle to tackle, Dugger is a physical matchup player who can really hit.
Injuries have been part of the story with Dugger. He missed one game this season and left early in two, playing exactly 32 percent of the snaps against the Bears and Steelers.
Dugger shows star qualities when he plays. In 2021, the third-year player had four interceptions and 92 tackles and was off to a great start this season with 24 tackles, an interception, a 59-yard fumble recovery for a TD, and a number of big hits.
Dugger is a player the Patriots can build around. He's an exceptional athlete with a unique backstory as a 24-year-old prospect from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne University.
New England's problems aren't going to be solved overnight. Giving up 243 rushing yards at home and allowing the Bears to convert 11-for-18 third downs should serve as a reality check that they need more than just Dugger's help.
The last-place Patriots (3-4) play at the surging Jets (5-2) on Sunday.
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