The New England Patriots look to even their record to 7-7 as they face the 8-5 Miami Dolphins on Sunday in a game with huge implications for both teams.

But after taking a slim 6-0 lead into halftime over the Dolphins, they may have to go the rest of the way without one of their top defenders in cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year,

Gilmore went down with a non-contact knee injury in the first half while trying to guard Dolphins wide receiver Mack Hollins. He was in significant pain, immediately holding the back of his left knee as soon as he went down, and was later helped to the locker room, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

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The Patriots later announced that the three-time Pro Bowler was doubtful to return to the game due to a non-contact knee injury, with Rapoport reporting that it could be a serious one as cornerbacks Jason McCourty and Jonathan Jones will try to slow down the Dolphins’ offense, which New England held scoreless in the first half.

Gilmore, who was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl 53 two seasons ago, has previously missed three games this year due to knee issues, and also tested positive for COVID-19 after New England’s Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, he eventually returned to the lineup and has been playing since their Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans.

In the 10 games that he’s played for coach Bill Belichick this season, the 30-year old has recorded 35 combined tackles, three passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.