Patriots lose center Ted Karras for remainder of Texans game due to knee injury

The New England Patriots offensive line already suffered a major blow before the season even began: starting center David Andrews was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and placed on season-ending injured reserve. Career-backup Ted Karras was subsequently elevated into the starting role to fill Andrews’ spot, and he went on to start the Patriots’ first 11 games of the season and play 100% of the team’s offensive snaps.

However, his streak came to an end in the third quarter of New England’s game against the Houston Texans: Karras was rolled up while pass protecting, and slowly jogged off the field and right into the medical tent on the sidelines. When he came out, he wore a brace on his right knee and immediately headed into the locker room — not to return as the team announced shortly afterwards: Karras was officially ruled out.

In his place, veteran interior lineman James Ferentz was brought onto the field to play the center position. Ferentz started one game so far this season in place of right guard Shaq Mason.