During the third week of the 2021 NFL season, the New England Patriots lost 28-13 to the New Orleans Saints. During the game, running back James White seemed to land hard along the sideline after catching a pass in the second quarter.
Shortly after falling to the ground, White grasped his upper leg and remained on the grass.
As he was being taken off the field, players from both teams went over to comfort the three-time Super Bowl victor. The Patriots soon announced that White, who had sustained a hip injury, would be taken out of the game.
White and the Patriots came to terms on a two-year, $5 million season in March, ensuring his return to New England despite the fact that a hip subluxation cut short his 2021 season.
ESPN recently reported, though, that White’s on-field comeback could be delayed.
White was one of New England’s most consistent offensive contributors before becoming hurt in 2021. In Week 2, he caught a team-high six catches for 45 yards, making him the Patriots’ top receiver.
He carried the ball five times for a total of twenty yards and a score. Most significantly, quarterback Mac Jones had come to rely heavily on White as a target.
His ability as a receiver and runner made him a difficult player to replace. White’s absence was felt greatly by the Patriots’ offense due to the lack of his expertise and dependability.