New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks with a hip problem, according to a report.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury in his side's win over the New York Jets last week and has missed all of New England's practice sessions since the match.
Jones was initially expected to be out for about a month, but Bill Belichick's side are fearful that the injury could end his regular season, with a return for the playoffs possible if the Patriots qualify, reports the Boston Herald.
The defensive end has recorded 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Patriots this season.