New England Patriots Report

Hernandez leaves with crutches, boot

September, 16, 2012

9/16/12

5:31

PM ET

By Mike Reiss & Field Yates | ESPNBoston.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez left Gillette Stadium on Sunday with crutches and a walking boot on his injured right ankle. He declined comment when approached by a reporter.

Hernandez was injured on the Patriots' third offensive play in the team's 20-18 home-opening loss to the Cardinals. He was blocking on a quick pass to receiver Julian Edelman and was landed on.

Without Hernandez, the Patriots went away from their base offense with multiple tight ends, relying more on a three-receiver package.

"When he went down it took away a lot of things they are able to do," said Cardinals safety James Sanders, who played for the Patriots from 2005-2010. "It's unfortunate for them, but it helped us out as a unit. I just pray that he's healthy."

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was unaware of Hernandez's status. Multiple media reports said that Hernandez did not suffer a break. The severity of a possible sprain figures to be revealed by further tests.

"Hopefully he's fine," Gronkowski said. "He's a great player and we need him."

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

Mike Rodak

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attended Providence College. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).