"Adalius Thomas is definitely out for tonight's game against the Jets, but he's not definitely out for the season - at least not yet.

According to an NFL source with knowledge of Thomas's injury, the Patriots outside linebacker had surgery yesterday to repair a broken right forearm. Several reports had said Thomas broke his left forearm last Sunday during the Patriots' 20-10 loss to the Bills, but the source said the injury was to Thomas's right arm.

Two sources said doctors have not told Thomas he is out for the season. The decision may ultimately come down to what the prognosis is for his recovery time and whether the Patriots think it's worth sacrificing a spot on the 53-man roster for an extended period to keep the option of having Thomas potentially ready to return.

That decision could be made as soon as today, when Thomas goes for a follow-up.

The Patriots have held off on placing Thomas on injured reserve, which would officially end his season. Until he is placed on IR, he is still eligible to play this season. IR is still the most likely course, but it would make sense that the Patriots would weigh all their options before committing to play the remainder of the season without Thomas, one of the defense's most valuable players.

Coach Bill Belichick said he had no update on Thomas's status.

Cornerback Terrence Wheatley (left wrist) was also ruled out for tonight.

Morris may be back

The Patriots could get a boost at running back tonight if Sammy Morris is able to go.

Morris, who has been out since suffering a knee injury against the Broncos Oct. 20, practiced for the second straight day - he had limited participation - and was listed as questionable on the injury report yesterday.

Morris was one of four Patriots listed as questionable. He was joined by defensive end Ty Warren (groin), right guard Stephen Neal (knee), and linebacker Eric Alexander (hamstring). Both running back LaMont Jordan (right calf) and cornerback Lewis Sanders (hamstring) were listed as doubtful after not practicing this week.

The Jets will be without inside linebacker and leading tackler David Harris. The team declared Harris, who will miss his third straight game with a groin injury, out for tonight's game. David Bowens has started the last two games in place of Harris.

Both Jets starting wide receivers, Laveranues Coles (thigh) and Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder) were listed as probable."