Report: ‘There’s a good likelihood’ Patriots’ linebacker Matthew Judon might return in December

The Patriots reportedly have excessive hopes that their highest-paid defensive participant might return to play earlier than the top of this 12 months.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Matthew Judon, who suffered a torn decrease bicep tendon final week, might be again on the sphere in about two months. Rapoport added that the timetable might be based mostly on how properly the 31-year-old’s elected surgical procedure on Oct. 4 went. He mentioned December is a “real looking purpose” for Judon’s return.

Judon suffered the damage in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys in Texas on Oct. 1.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Oct. 2 that the linebacker could be out ‘indefinitely’ alongside rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who suffered a dislocated shoulder additionally versus the Cowboys. 

Gonzalez landed on season-ending injured reserve forward of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the New Orleans Saints; nonetheless, notably, Judon didn’t. The shortage of a roster transfer on Judon’s half might be signal, in the intervening time, that New England has optimism that the participant can return in 2023.

Judon, who signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021, recorded 4 sacks this 12 months earlier than his damage. He logged 13 tackles in three video games, 10 of these being solo.

He had a outstanding 2022 season upon recording a career-high 15.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 60 tackles final season. These numbers helped him land a revised two-year contract extension value $22.5 million with New England this previous offseason.