The New England Patriots were able to pick up their first victory of the 2023 season. They defeated the reeling New York Jets, picking up their 15th consecutive win over their AFC East rivals.

While it certainly felt good for the team to get off the schneide with their first win of the season, it came at a cost. The Patriots’ depth along the defensive line looks to have taken a major shot in the game.

Defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale was forced out of the game because of an injury. During the telecast, it was revealed that Ekuale was dealing with an elbow injury. Unfortunately for him, the official diagnosis is actually worse than that.

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Ekuale is dealing with a torn biceps. The Patriots are awaiting the results of more tests before making an official announcement, but the early diagnosis isn’t looking good. Once they figure out the extent of the injury, a plan can be put together for the rehab process.

This would be a big loss for the Patriots as Ekuale has shown an ability to create plays from the interior of the defensive line. A sub-package pass rusher, Ekuale had provided three tackles and a forced fumble thus far for New England in 2023.

He has spent the last three seasons with the Patriots after beginning his career with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Ekuale played in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars before making his way to New England.

To make matters worse, defensive tackle Devon Godchaux was forced from the game against the Jets because of injury as well. The Patriots are going to have their work cut out for them sorting through depth in the trenches heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.