Report: ‘There is a good chance’ Patriots’ linebacker Matthew Judon could return in December

Patriots

Judon recorded four sacks this season before his injury.

The Patriots reportedly have high hopes that their highest-paid defensive player could return to play before the end of this year.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Matthew Judon, who suffered a torn lower bicep tendon last week, could be back on the field in about two months. Rapoport added that the timetable could be based on how well the 31-year-old’s elected surgery on Oct. 4 went. He said December is a “realistic goal” for Judon’s return.

Judon suffered the injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Texas on Oct. 1.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Oct. 2 that the linebacker would be out ‘indefinitely’ alongside rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who suffered a dislocated shoulder also versus the Cowboys. 

Gonzalez landed on season-ending injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints; however, notably, Judon did not. The lack of a roster move on Judon’s part could be a good sign, for the time being, that New England has optimism that the player can return in 2023.

Judon, who signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021, recorded four sacks this year before his injury. He logged 13 tackles in three games, 10 of those being solo.

He had a remarkable 2022 season upon recording a career-high 15.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 60 tackles last season. Those numbers helped him land a revised two-year contract extension worth $22.5 million with New England this past offseason.