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Sept. 29 (UPI) -- New England Patriots running back James White is expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 season because of a significant hip injury. League sources told ESPN and the Boston Herald on Wednesday that White suffered a major right hip injury during Sunday's 28-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After further medical examinations, it was determined that White won't be able to return this season.
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White immediately rolled over and grabbed at his right hip after a 6-yard run against the Saints. The veteran tailback was surrounded by Patriots players before he was carted off the field and transported to the locker room for X-rays.
"James is the quiet leader. Obviously not having a guy like that hurts as a team," fellow Patriots captain Devin McCourty said Wednesday. "He had gotten off to a great start, and you just hate to see the long road to recovery that comes with being injured.
"But he's one of the toughest people I've been around. I know he'll bounce back."
Entering Sunday's matchup against the Saints, the 29-year-old White led New England with 12 receptions for 94 yards. He also had 10 carries for 38 yards this season.
White, an eight-year veteran who has spent his entire NFL career with the Patriots, entered this season with the most catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns among running backs in the league since 2015.
In White's absence Sunday, the Patriots turned to veteran Brandon Bolden to fill his role as the team's pass-catching back. Bolden finished with three receptions for 23 yards and three carries for a net loss of one yard against New Orleans.
The Patriots are scheduled to play Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 on NBC's Sunday Night Football.
