Devin McCourty Injury: Patriots CB Could Miss Several Weeks With Separated Shoulder

The New England Patriots received a major boost in the AFC East race when they beat the New York Jets to take sole possession of first place in the division but the win came at a cost. CB Devin McCourty, one of the few members of the Patriots secondary who hasn't been injured, went down with a separated shoulder in the game.

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the injury is expected to keep him out several weeks.

McCourty was trying to break up a pass intended for Plaxico Burress when his teammate Sterling Moore, who was starting in place of Patrick Chung, collided with him and Burress. Moore was flagged on the play but it appears McCourty took the brunt of the hit. McCourty got up and gingerly walked to the sideline favoring his shoulder.

The Patriots lead the division but this is a big blow for a secondary that was dead last in passing yards given up. They've received most of the blame for the Patriots flawed defense and on paper this will only make things worse.

Bill Belichick will meet with the media but you shouldn't expect any details out of him regarding the injury. The Patriots host the Chiefs next week on Monday Night Football.

Check out SB Nation's Pats Pulpit for more on the Patriots in first place and McCourty's injury.