New England Patriots defensive end Adrian Clayborn has suffered a quad injury which could limit his availability for Phase 3 of the team’s offseason program this week, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports.
Clayborn suffered the injury during the Pats’ notoriously intense voluntary workouts. Although, Reiss adds that if Clayborn does see his workload scaled back during the third phase of OTAs because of his injury, he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
Clayborn is arguably the highest profile free agent the Patriots have landed this offseason after they signed him to a two-year contract with a base value of $10 million. The 29-year-old is coming off a career year with the Atlanta Falcons as he recorded 9.5 sacks. He has 30 sacks in 81 games (50 starts) in his career.
The Patriots brought Clayboard in with the belief that he can help boost the team’s pass rush. The team’s inability to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a significant factor for their pass defense’s struggles last season. The retirement of veteran James Harrison, who provided a major impact upon his arrival late last season, has also taken away one of the team’s top edge rushing options.
Clayborn has had an extensive history in terms of injuries over the course of his career, with multiple meniscus and biceps tears included in that long list. Hopefully, this tweaked quad does not lead to more injuries moving forward as the Patriots will need him healthy and playing a significant role on their defense this season.
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