"The Patriots are going to have to deal with yet another significant injury to a key player, as linebacker Adalius Thomas has a broken arm, according to sources.

Thomas left the field in the second quarter of yesterday’s 20-10 win over the Buffalo Bills, walking off with members of the team’s medical staff. He did not return and later was seen leaving the locker room with his arm in a sling.

It’s not clear how long the injury will keep Thomas out of the lineup. ESPN.com reported that Thomas had a broken left forearm and was likely done for the year. Several other reports said he had a broken right arm and would be having surgery sometime this week.

As it is, the Pats already have placed three impact players on season-ending injured reserve: quarterback Tom Brady (torn ACL/MCL in left knee), safety Rodney Harrison (torn quadriceps) and running back Laurence Maroney (shoulder).

They can ill afford losing Thomas to the same fate. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker plays a role in every defensive personnel package coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Dean Pees throw out on the field. Entering yesterday’s game, Thomas had been in on almost 100 percent of the team’s defensive snaps."