Bill Belichick: Vince Wilfork 'unlikely' to return this year

Jarrett Bell | USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots all-pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork underwent an MRI Monday that confirmed he has a torn right Achilles tendon, and coach Bill Belichick said Monday afternoon that "It doesn't look too good for Vince."

During his interview with WEEI FM, Belichick added: "I think he's got a pretty serious injury and it's probably unlikely that he'll be able to play again this year."

Wilfork, 32, tore the Achilles during Sunday night's 30-23 victory over the Falcons in Atlanta.

"Clearly, there are not Vince Wilforks standing around on the corner, waiting to sign with the Patriots or some other teams," Belichick said. "There's no way to replace him with one guy. That's totally unrealistic."

Belichick's comments came a few hours after a morning conference call with reporters, when he was asked about Wilfork's status and said he wasn't well-informed yet:

"I don't really have a lot of information on that," he said. "We'll just have to see how things turn out here."

He added: "I know they're going to look at him and do some tests this morning and that's really about all I know. I haven't heard any more about that. I'm not sure exactly what the status of that is. That's pretty common after every game.

"We get back here late off the road and then guys come in and ... they either get (an injury) treated or sometimes get it looked at in a little more detail with a test or whatever, whatever the case might be, whatever our medical department decides they need and then we go from there."

The Patriots are bracing to confront a devastating loss of their defensive pillar.

"He's an outstanding player, we all know that," Belichick said. "He gives us great leadership and he's a strong contributor on and off the field, and in the locker room and everything else."

But no one plays quite like Wilfork, a defensive captain Belichick calls "a great leader." His 325-pound frame demands double teams, opening up space for teammates to make tackles. And he's been very healthy, until now.

Sunday's game was the 166th of his career, including the postseason. He's played in 160 and started 148.

"Obviously, Vince has been a staple for a long time," said Jerod Mayo, another defensive captain. "He rarely goes out with injuries, so it was very shocking and surprising to see my friend go down like that."

Wilfork was hurt on the 10th play of the Falcons' opening series. He was blocked lightly by left guard Justin Blalock, who then ran to his left to block on a pass to Julio Jones. Wilfork changed direction to run toward the action when his right leg gave way. The Patriots said he had an ankle injury, and he didn't return.

On the sideline, Tom Brady talked with Wilfork, then patted him on the shoulder. A short time later, Wilfork was sitting on the back of a cart, his right leg bare below the knee, with Dr. Thomas Gill, the team physician, by his side as they headed off the field.

Wilfork's absence lightens the load for opposing offensive linemen.

"He's not only strong and powerful, but he is also quick for a man his size, and he's a smart player," Patriots left guard Logan Mankins said. "He takes on double teams so well. He just engulfs linemen. In pass protection, he just pushes the pocket. He is always collapsing inside, and that helps the edge rush. So, he just does so many things for us, and does it so good."

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Contributing: Associated Press. Follow Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell