Potential Season-Ending Injury for Chandler Jones Huge Blow to Patriots Defense

New England Patriots pass-rusher Chandler Jones suffered a hip injury in the second quarter of the Week 7 game against the New York Jets, but it didn't keep him from returning to the contest. 

Now it appears that the injury may prevent him from showing up on the playing field again this season. 

Jones did not practice on Tuesday, which clearly meant that the injury was more serious than it appeared during the game, and early reports from CBS Boston indicated that the defensive end/linebacker could miss up to a month. 

Unfortunately, Jones' injury is even more serious. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the best-case scenario would see Jones returning in six weeks. This could mean the Patriots have him back in the lineup when the team faces the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe provided insight from a source on Jones' injury and potential return date:

However, Howe also indicated that the Patriots are "not optimistic" about any best-case scenarios for Jones, per a team source. 

This feeling isn't altogether surprising considering the situation.

For starters, it is virtually impossible to predict just how quickly Jones can recover. Any notable setbacks could quickly push that return back from Week 13 to much later in the season or prevent it altogether.

This is particularly significant because the Patriots don't have the option of placing Jones on injured reserve (IR) with a designation to return. Such a designation would allow New England to bring Jones back from IR after Week 15, meaning he would be available for the final two weeks of the regular season plus the playoffs.

However, the Patriots used the return designation (teams only get one opportunity per season) on defensive tackle Sealver Siliga earlier this year.

Therefore, New England has to choose between ending Jones' season and holding a roster spot open for him during his recovery.

Teams don't generally enjoy being a man short. Therefore, it would be hard to direct criticism toward the Patriots if the team decides that a quick recovery isn't in the cards and placed Jones on IR, ending his season.

Obviously, the impact of losing Jones for any length of time is huge.

The former Syracuse standout has established himself as the most talented pass-rusher on the Patriots defense. He has racked up 22 sacks in two-and-a-half pro seasons and currently leads the team with 4.5 sacks on the year.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he is the sixth highest-rated 3-4 outside linebacker in the league when it comes to rushing the passer. He is credited with 23 total quarterback pressures on the season.

Replacing Jones' production won't be easy and will likely take some creative planning from head coach Bill Belichick. That creative planning could well include former second-round draft pick Akeem Ayers, whom the Patriots acquired from the Tennessee Titans earlier this week.

The good news is that New England currently boasts the league's No. 1 pass defense (208 yards per game allowed), so there is talent to help compensate for Jones' absence against the pass.

However, the Patriots have now lost Jones, starting linebacker Jerod Mayo and nose tackle Vince Wilfork for the season. 

With tough games against the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts upcoming, these injuries could play a major factor even if Jones does return before the season is over.