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The New England Patriots weren't able to survive Friday night's 17-16 preseason win against the Carolina Panthers without losing a key player to injury.

Fullback James Develin suffered a lower right leg injury in the fourth quarter. He caught a pass from backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and got his right leg stuck in the turf. Develin had to be carted off the field and did not return to the game.

Develin has been a durable player for the Patriots and plays a key role in the offense as a reliable run blocker. The Patriots haven't had too much success on the ground through three preseason games.

It's unclear how this injury will impact his status going forward because head coach Bill Belichick didn't provide any updates after the game.

Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images