Nate Ebner injured on successful fake punt attempt by Patriots

Nate Ebner was tackled after running for a first down on a fake punt. Ebner was injured on the play and ruled out for the rest of the game.CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

The Patriots appeared to be headed for a surprising three-and-out against the Dolphins during their opening drive on Sunday. Yet just when Miami thought a New England threat had been averted, Nate Ebner ran a fake punt for a first down. Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense promptly scored to take a 7-0 lead.

Ebner took a direct snap on fourth and 9 at the New England 27-yard line and sprinted around the edge for 14 yards. However, the Patriots’ special teams ace was injured on the play:

🚨🚨 FAKE PUNT ALERT! 🚨🚨

The @Patriots get tricky! #GoPats pic.twitter.com/mwC6iuUOJK

— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2017

The Patriots’ offense returned to the field, and Rex Burkhead scored a 2-yard touchdown four plays later.

Ebner was ruled out for the remainder of the game:

Nate Ebner has already been ruled out with a knee injury by the #Patriots.

— Nora Princiotti (@NoraPrinciotti) November 26, 2017