New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo officially announced that linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley was being placed on injured reserve Wednesday. He also named safety Kyle Dugger as a new team captain to fill in for Bentley, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season.
Dugger has been a key piece for the Patriots defense, recording 18 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He has stepped up as one of the leaders for the team after Devin McCourty retired.
The standout defensive back has been an integral part of the organization since he was drafted by the team in 2020. He has tallied 361 tackles and nine interceptions in his run with the Patriots.
The current team captains now include Dugger, Jacoby Brissett, Jabrill Peppers, Joe Cardona, David Andrews, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Bentley (IR).
Patriots new list of captains:
S Kyle Dugger
QB Jacoby Brissett
S Jabrill Peppers
LS Joe Cardona
C David Andrews
DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (injured reserve)— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 25, 2024
Dugger signed a four-year, $58 million extension in the offseason. The Patriots gave him that contract with the full belief in his ability to be a foundational piece for their defense.
It’s no surprise Mayo and the coaching staff chose him as a team captain.
