"There was no word from the Patriots on the status of injured middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, who left last night's 25-24 win over the Bills in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.

The initial belief, however, is that the injury is not as serious as the season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear quarterback Tom Brady suffered in last year's season opener. More definitive word on Mayo's status may come today. In Mayo's absence, Gary Guyton and Adalius Thomas manned the middle with mixed results.

Guyton had four tackles, but was victimized on screen passes and Buffalo ran 19 times for 90 yards. Thomas had five tackles and a sack. Mayo's loss also meant the team lost its defensive play-caller."