New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona suffered a hip injury that could sideline him for the foreseeable future, according to reports from the team’s medical staff. Cardona, a key figure in the Patriots’ special teams unit since joining the team in 2015, sustained the injury during practice earlier this week.
Cardona’s injury has raised concerns within the organization, as he is one of the most reliable long snappers in the league. While the exact severity of the hip injury has not been disclosed, early assessments suggest that Cardona could miss several games, depending on his recovery and rehabilitation.
Head coach Bill Belichick addressed the situation in a brief statement: “Joe’s been an essential part of our team, both on and off the field. He’s tough, and we know he’ll do everything he can to recover quickly. We’re evaluating his status day by day.”
Cardona, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, has been a model of consistency throughout his career, rarely missing a game. His absence could pose a challenge for the Patriots, as long snappers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth special teams operations, particularly in field goals and punts.
The Patriots are expected to explore temporary replacements for Cardona, but the hope is that his injury will not keep him sidelined for an extended period. In the meantime, Cardona is focused on his recovery, with fans and teammates expressing their support for a speedy return to the field.
More updates on his status are expected as the team monitors his progress in the coming days.
