Veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley was not part of last week’s roster moves in Foxborough. However, following reports of a torn pectoral sustained in the game against the Seattle Seahawks, he will officially be placed on injured reserve, as announced by New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo during his Wednesday press conference.
“We’ve lost one of our captains in Bentley,” Mayo stated. “He has been a tremendous asset for us, both on and off the field, and a leader in the locker room. We’ll be putting Bentley on injured reserve later today.”
As a result of Bentley’s injury, starting safety Kyle Dugger has been appointed a captain for the first time since being drafted 37th overall by the organization in 2020.
Captain Dugg 🫡
Patriots have added @KingDugg_3 as a team captain. pic.twitter.com/AMUTzfrg8E
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 25, 2024
“Given that, I thought it was important to share my experience,” Mayo explained regarding the decision. “As you know, I faced a few seasons where I was injured late in the year—more than once. I was a captain for seven out of eight years. I remember getting hurt early one season, and Coach Belichick asked if we could add another captain. I was fine with that. I had a similar conversation with Bentley, considering he’s currently going through rehab and isn’t in the building every day. I told him it was important to maintain leadership on that side of the ball.
“When we voted for captains—decided by their peers—it was a close call. I’m pleased to announce that Kyle Dugger has done an outstanding job and has shown significant growth, both on and off the field. So, Dugger is now one of our captains.”
Bentley, 28, had entered his fourth season as a Patriots captain and played a career-high 91 percent of defensive snaps in 2023. The Purdue alum, selected 143rd overall in 2018, has made 68 starts, accumulating 509 tackles, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions.
Dugger, also 28, signed a four-year contract extension in April after receiving the transition tag before free agency. He has started 55 games for New England, recording 361 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, nine interceptions, and two touchdowns.
The former Lenoir-Rhyne standout will now wear the “C” alongside quarterback Jacoby Brissett, center David Andrews, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., fellow safety Jabrill Peppers, and long snapper Joe Cardona.
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