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2016 NFL Injury Report: Ranking The 5 Most Devastating Losses

By Erik Lambert

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after suffering a back injury during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after suffering a back injury during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) makes a pass while being protected by tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) makes a pass while being protected by tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

#4:  Sebastian Vollmer (hip)

It was offensive line issues that sank the New England Patriots in the AFC championship last season, and Sebastian Vollmer was one of the few dependable blockers they had. So for him to go down with a hip injury that most believe will end his 2016 season, it’s a grievous loss for a team that couldn’t afford it. The Patriots have always found ways to adjust but even Tom Brady has his limits when he’s not getting the adequate protection required. To say nothing of the still struggling ground attack.

What makes it worse is knowing Brady won’t be in there for the first four games of the season. It will be Jimmy Garoppolo, a young and talented kid but totally untried in playing experience. That makes quality protection even more crucial, magnifying the loss of Vollmer even further than it would’ve been. Maybe Marcus Cannon will be able to hold down the fort, but he has never shown the same consistency or dependability Vollmer has. The Patriots will adjust. They just won’t be quite themselves.

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