What would a long-term injury to Derek Rivers mean for pass rush?

If Derek Rivers is indeed gone for the season with a knee injury, it deals another blow to the Patriots’ pass rush depth.



New England had suffered personnel losses on the edge this past offseason with the departures of Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard and the retirement of Rob Ninkovich. While Rivers wasn’t expected to be a heavy contributor in his first season in the NFL, the Youngstown State product, who had 14 sacks last year, had worked this summer to become part of a rotation on the edge.

Now, his injury increases the expectations on the likes of veteran Trey Flowers and newcomer Kony Ealy, as well as rookie Deatrich Wise. (Wise is expected back sooner rather than later after suffering a head injury in the preseason opener against Jacksonville.)

There are also other internal possibilities in linebacker Shea McClellin, who has occasionally worked as an edge defender while with the Bears a few years ago. Rookie Harvey Langi has gotten some reps on the edge in camp. And Geneo Grissom and Caleb Kidder could also see an uptick in opportunities as a result of Rivers’ injury.

One other possibility? Signing a veteran pass rusher like a Dwight Freeney, Jared Odrick or Paul Kruger, all three of who are still on the market.