FOXBORO, Mass., Sept. 19 (UPI) -- New England linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, the team's top free agent acquisition, underwent surgery Friday to repair a fractured hip.
He will miss the remainder of the season.
Colvin, who suffered the injury in the second quarter of last week's win in Philadelphia, was placed on injured reserve, meaning he is not eligible to return this season.
One of the league's top pass rushers, Colvin led the Chicago Bears with 10 1/2 sacks in each of the top two seasons. He was expected to be a key cog in New England's revamped 3-4 defense.
The loss of Colvin is another major blow for the Patriots' defense, which is down to just four healthy linebackers.
New England already has lost safety Lawyer Milloy, who signed with Buffalo after being released, and linebacker Ted Johnson, who is expected to miss several games with a broken foot.
