Even though the New England Patriots didn't have a dog in the fight between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, the fanbase did suffer a very unfortunate punch in the gut when a fairly beloved former player suffered a horrifying injury.
Former Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise, who signed a one-year contract with Washington with the goal of trying to help last year's NFC runners-up chase a championship, saw a strong Week 1 showing followed up by an injury that could rob him of major playing time.
While trying to block a Packers point after touchdown in the waning minutes of the first half, a Packers offensive lineman fell backwards and came down on one of Wise's legs. He quickly was carted off the field after his teammates came to console him.
Wise was immediately ruled out and carted off the field, which does not bode well for his availability after this season. Patriots fans hoping to see Wise prove the doubters wrong in a new destination have to be heartbroken over this.
Former Patriots DE Deatrich Wise carted off field on Thursday Night Football
Yet another Bill Belichick Day 3 defensive lineman who was capable of exceeding his draft position, Wise recorded 317 tackles and 34 sacks in eight seasons with the Patriots. Even in a reduced role in 2024, Wise still managed to tally five sacks and 29 tackles for Jerod Mayo.
Wise's versatility made him a very valuable member of a New England defense that was holding their own despite the team's offensive ineptitude last season. Washington thought that a 31-year-old Wise, who is chomping at the bit
Wise was replaced on the Patriots by Harold Landry, and he validated New England's decision to bring in the former Mike Vrabel project from Tennessee. Still, Wise is a valuable player, and he deserves better than an unfortunate brake like this impacting his availability.
Patriots fans better hope that Wise's injury can somehow be forgiving enough to facilitate a return to play fairly soon, as it would be grossly unfair for him to lose an entire season thanks to a freak incident like this.