Patriots Linebacker Jerod Mayo Out for the Year with a "Bad" Leg Injury

Moments after losing running back Steven Ridley for the season, the Patriots find out that they will be without linebacker Jerod Mayo.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Mayo "is out for the year after suffering a lower right leg injury that multiple sources say 'is bad'."

Mayo is the defensive leader of the team and the Patriots will have to figure a way to adjust on defense to compensate for his loss. They might even have to shift their entire defensive scheme. He currently ranks with twice as many tackles as the next highest ranked player on the Patriots roster. He added a consistent inside blitz that generated plenty of pressure.

The Patriots were able to move forward after losing Mayo last season due to the depth at the position with Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher, in addition to Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower. With the former two players no longer on the roster, the Patriots are perilously thin at the position.

ESPN's Field Yates reported that the Patriots tried out five linebackers today:

Justin Anderson, Kaelin Burnett, Tim Dobbins, Mario Harvey, and Paul Hazel.

Best of luck to Mayo in his long recovery process.