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According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the play highlighted the receiver's athleticism, as he reached a top speed of 21.44 mph to track the ball. This effort marked the fastest speed Doubs has recorded as a ball carrier during his five-year professional career. While he was initially listed as questionable to return, the team officially ruled him out early in the third quarter.
Injury woes mount for New England
The loss of Doubs compounded a difficult day for the Patriots' offensive unit, which had been bolstered by the return of wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown, who had been sidelined since Week 1 with an ankle injury, made his return to the lineup on Sunday. The team had invested heavily in their receiving corps during the offseason, signing Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in March before acquiring Brown via trade in June to provide Maye with a primary offensive duo.
The injury concerns extended beyond the receiving group as the game progressed. Starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker was forced out of the matchup in the second quarter after sustaining a hamstring injury. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The offensive line depth was further tested when starting right tackle Morgan Moses departed in the second quarter due to an ankle injury. Although the team initially designated Moses as questionable to return, he was downgraded to out at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Patriots now face a challenging schedule ahead, with a short turnaround before they travel to face the Chicago Bears this coming Thursday.
