During Wednesday's joint practice with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots defensive edge Derek Rivers suffered an apparent knee injury on a kick coverage drill.
However, while the team has depth at the position it is either inexperienced or dealing with injuries of its own: Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered a concussion, Kony Ealy is struggling with inconsistency.
New England still has almost $14.1 million in salary cap space, which gives the team plenty of resources to bring one of the remaining free agent edge defenders on board.
Our very own Rich Hill did a great breakdown of five potential options to help the Patriots fill the void created by Rivers' injury: Paul Kruger, Dwight Freeny, Eugene Sims, Mario Williams and Jared Odrick.
Due to his draft status, athletic upside and potential as a rotational defensive end, Rivers was a lock to make the Patriots' 53-man roster.
- Patriots notebook: Rookie DE Derek Rivers tears ACL, according to sourceBoston Herald
- How Patriots Can Fill Void At Defensive End Following Derek Rivers' InjuryNESN.com
- Patriots Talk: Derek Rivers Out For The Season With ACLTrifecta Network
- Patriots: Rookie edge rusher Derek Rivers out for season with knee injuryWorcester Telegram
- Derek Rivers Injury Leaves Patriots Thinner On the Edge, Options?PatsFans.com (blog)
- Patriots rookie Derek Rivers likely out for seasonMy Fox Boston
- Former YSU star Rivers likely to miss 2017Youngstown Vindicator
- PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK: Rivers' run as a rookie may be overThe Patriot Ledger
- Injuries: Patriots rookie DE Derek Rivers tears ACLNFL.com
