Patriots lose key starter early vs. Ravens and it could become a problem

The first quarter of the Patriots' Sunday Night Football matchup was a rough one, with the Ravens marching down the field with ease on their first series to put them up 7-0 early on. It looked like they were going to increase that lead on their next drive, but a fumble by Derrick Henry that was recovered by Craig Woodson swung the momentum in the Patriots' favor.

What isn't in their favor, however, are injuries.

The Patriots entered this week's game down their starting left tackle, Will Campbell, who was placed on injured reserve last month. He isn't able to return this season until Week 18, so Vederian Lowe has been filling in during his absence.

And now, the offense is down another veteran lineman, as reporters shared that right tackle Morgan Moses went into the blue medical tent to deal with what appears to be a knee injury. That has Thayer Munford in his place for the time being.

Not long after, the Patriots announced Moses is questionable to return, and considering the second quarter just started, it's far from ideal to be looking at 3/4 of a game left to be played down another starting lineman.

Morgan Moses might not return to the Patriots' offense, which could impact the rest of the game

Because it's near the end of the season, it's unsurprising to see injuries piling up, even though the Patriots have been mostly fortunate in avoiding that fate for much of the year.

The past month hasn't been too kind to them, though, as we continue to see crucial starters exiting games early when the team desperately needs them. That's the case again tonight for Drake Maye, who is staring down the possibility of being down another tackle on the offensive line.

There is a silver lining we should remember, however: the second-year quarterback dealt with far less last year and still played outstanding despite it. He is in much better company with the offensive line this season, and although it would be huge to lose Moses, those in the game have (mostly) proven they can keep the offense afloat.

Hopefully, we'll see that with Moses' backup, too.

UPDATE:

UPDATE PART 2: