Injury update: Patriots tight end Matt LaCosse reportedly dealing with a sprained ankle; not expected to play against Titans

Last week’s preseason opener against the Detroit Lions was pretty good one from the New England Patriots’ perspective: the team dominated in all three phases en route to a 31-3 victory that showed that the world champions’ depth certainly appears to be as strong as advertised. However, not everything went well for the Patriots on Thursday night as the team also lost two players to injury: wide receiver N’Keal Harry and tight end Matt LaCosse.

Both men exited the game in the second quarter and did not return. While first-round pick Harry appears to be dealing with a hamstring issue and potential turf toe injury, free agency acquisition LaCosse has hurt his ankle — a report by the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride now confirms that initial diagnosis: according to McBride, the 26-year-old is dealing with a sprained ankle and will miss this week’s preseason game because of it.

LaCosse missing the two joint practices and subsequent second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans is obviously not ideal, considering that he is expected to be the Patriots’ number one tight end once the regular season begins. That being said, it would not be a surprise if his injury was not considered major and should keep him out for only a short time — even though the severity and rehabilitation timeline are not yet known.

Until LaCosse returns to the field, Eric Saubert, who was acquired by the Patriots via trade from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, will add depth at tight end. All in all, the position is currently headed by Benjamin Watson — he will open the regular season with a four-game suspension, though — Ryan Izzo and Andrew Beck. Stephen Anderson and Lance Kendricks, meanwhile, are limited in practice and rehabbing previous injuries.