Koppen To Miss 6-10 Weeks With Injury

According to a report from the NFL Network's Albert Breer, New England Patriots center Dan Koppen is expected to miss between six and ten weeks with what is being called "a severe ankle sprain".  The news is considered positive as the initial reports were that he had broken the ankle and would likely be lost for the season.

Koppen suffered the injury during the second quarter of last nights 38-24 win over the Miami Dolphins.  Koppen was rolled up on from behind by Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby and had his leg trapped underneath him.

The time frame for the injury leaves open the possibility that the Patriots would put Koppen on IR, effectively ending his season, in order to open up a roster spot for so that the team could find a replacement. 

The team is already short handed on the line thanks to an injury to Sebastian Vollmer.  As a result, free agent signee Brian Waters saw extensive action during the game despite only having been with the team for eight days.

Koppen is in his ninth year out of Boston College.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Dan Koppen Injury: Koppen Breaks Left Ankle In Patriots' Win In Miami

New England Patriots center Dan Koppen broke his left ankle in Monday night's 38-24 season opening victory over the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida, according to Ian R. Rapoport.

Patriots C Dan Koppen suffered a broken ankle during the Patriots-Dolphins game, I'm told. The team will run more tests tomorrow to see whether there is more damage to the ligaments or the surrounding portions of his leg. But, the early returns are that it may not be a complicated break. In fact, don't rule Koppen out for the season just yet. (via The Rap Sheet)

Koppen was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury (that we now know is a broken ankle) just prior to halftime, with the Patriots leading the Dolphins, 14-7. If Koppen is unable to return, the team may be forced to seek outside help to fill the void, as they are not very deep on the offensive live.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Patriots Vs. Dolphins: Dan Koppen Taken Off Field On Stretcher

Late in the 2nd quarter with the Patriots leading the Dolphins 14-7, Dan Koppen was taken off the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be a left knee injury. Replays showed that Miami linebacker Karlos Dansby rolled up on Koppen during the play, causing him to fall back with his leg trapped beneath Dansby. Koppen is replaced at center by Dan Connolly.

The injury to Koppen is another blow to an already thin offensive line that is without a number of key players tonight including Sebastian Vollmer.  Despite a poor pre-season, the offensive line has shown good potential so far tonight, not allowing a sack and only being flagged for one holding penalty through the first half.

The word from the Patriots training staff is that Koppen suffered a sprain and that his return tonight would be questionable.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.