On the day the New England Patriots got Tom Brady back under center, the team lost tight end Martellus Bennett to an injury.
On an opening drive loudly announcing the return of Brady, capped off by a rushing touchdown, Bennett limped off the field with an apparent ankle issue and got hit with a questionable tag.
TE Martellus Bennett remains down after that run. Medical and athletic training staff working on right leg.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 9, 2016
Martellus Bennett hopping and now able to run some after getting rolled up on and seeming in distress
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 9, 2016
Observers pointed out Bennett got rolled on and might have to deal with a nagging issue:
By video, @MartellusBennett appears to have right high ankle sprain. Difficult to tell severity visually. Hope he is ok. https://t.co/rihvT5BuHK
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 9, 2016
New England still has Rob Growkowski leading the way as one of the offense’s top targets, but the ideal situation was Gronk and Bennett on the field at the same time. The tandem would cause defenses ridiculous problems like a certain two-tight end set did all those years ago for the Patriots.
Alas, Brady will have to hold off on developing a rapport with Bennett for an unknown period of time. Stay tuned for updates.
— UPDATE —
Crisis avoided and rapport established—Bennett returned to the game despite the iffy status and caught a touchdown pass. The good fortune for the Patriots continues.