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.
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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.