Jerod Mayo left the New England Patriots' locker room on crutches Sunday after injuring his knee.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via sources informed of the situation, Mayo is believed to have suffered a "significant" knee injury and will have more tests Monday.
On Monday morning, coach Bill Belichick told reporters the Patriots are bracing for being without one of their most pivotal defensive pieces.
"Keep our fingers crossed for him and see exactly what the situation is. (We) have to be ready to move on without him," Belichick said per ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said Mayo's loss will be a huge hit to communication, as Mayo is the quarterback of the defense.
Belichick added that no one player will replace Mayo, who has led the Patriots in tackles in five of the last six seasons.
Linebacker Chris White and safety Tavon Wilson helped to take some of Mayo's snaps Sunday, and might have to do it for most -- if not all -- of the rest of the season.
We recap all the Week 6 action on a jaunty edition of the "Around The NFL Podcast." Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
