Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore to have tests on injured leg Monday, report says

Stephon Gilmore went down with a non-contact injury in the second quarter.Joel Auerbach/Associated Press

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore had to be helped off the field after injuring his left leg during the second quarter of Sunday’s 22-12 loss to the Dolphins at Miami Gardens, Fla.

The team listed Gilmore as doubtful to return, and he did not play another snap.

NFL Network reported after the game that Gilmore will undergo tests Monday, and that the injury may not have been as serious as initially feared.

When asked for an update, coach Bill Belichick said he did not have one to share. The Patriots have two games remaining on the schedule, hosting the Buffalo Bills for “Monday Night Football” and the New York Jets for their regular-season finale.

At the end of the first half against the Dolphins, Gilmore, matched up against wide receiver Mack Hollins, crumbled to the field after trying to plant his left leg in coverage. He immediately grabbed his knee and remained on the ground. The non-contact injury occurred away from the play, a 14-yard reception to receiver Lynn Bowden Jr.

Here's the Stephon Gilmore injury. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/Kvf5MuUEr0

— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 20, 2020

After being helped off the field, putting little pressure on his leg, Gilmore briefly visited the blue medical tent. With the assistance of two staffers, he walked gingerly to the locker room.

“To have him go down today was a big loss for our defense,” said cornerback J.C. Jackson. “He’s a key factor.”

Added safety Devin McCourty: “It’s tough as a defense, I think, especially in the secondary because of how close we all are, how we’ve kind of built bonds, really, over the past three or four years. It’s just tough.”

Cornerback Jason McCourty replaced Gilmore for the remainder of Miami’s drive.

Gilmore, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, finished the game with two tackles. On the season, he has one interception, one forced fumble, and 37 tackles.

“Steph is one of the best DBs in the league,” Jackson said. “To have the opportunity to be with him and play on the same team, it just motivates me more.”

Gilmore missed three games with a knee injury earlier this season. He is under contract through the 2021 season.

“Nothing will stop him,” Devin McCourty said. “No matter what the outcome is, I know he’ll be back and be his normal self, if not better, because of the way he works and his mentality.”