What It Means:

Easley went down in Sunday night's win over the Houston Texans. A situational player, Easley had played only 275 snaps through 11 games, but he was stuffing the run and also putting heat on the quarterback. It's a big blow to a front seven that's quietly been one of the better ones in the league. A 2014 first-rounder, Easley should be ready for training camp.

New England ranks 19th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points per play. The Patriots face the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.