'No Place For That!': Patriots React To Scary DeVante Parker Hit

Originally posted on FanNation Patriot Maven
By Jonathan Alfano | Last updated 10/30/23

The New England Patriots lost 31-17 to the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. But, beyond the game itself, some of the injuries they suffered were absolutely brutal.

The worst was suffered by receiver DeVante Parker, who left the game after a scary helmet-to-helmet hit by Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott. Despite Parker leaving the game, Elliott managed to somehow avoid a penalty on the play.

Understandably, Patriots coaches and players were none too happy about that fact after the game.

“I’d like to feel like our players are getting protected like anyone else’s,” coach Bill Belichick said Monday morning on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, via the Boston Herald.

That play wasn't the only one Belichick called attention to, as he also pointed to a play where running back Ezekiel Elliott was tripped at the line of scrimmage. Altogether, it was a frustrating day for Belichick in regards to officiating.

"That’s another dangerous pay. Stuff like that. There shouldn’t be a place for that in football,” Belichick said.

While Elliott wasn't flagged on the play, he's not out of the woods yet when it comes to league discipline. After the game, Patriots special team captain Matthew Slater expressed his confidence that the league would come down on Elliott for the hit.

“I think he’ll end up getting fined for that play,” Slater said, via NESN. “When they go back and watch it, they’ll probably end up fining him.”

Meanwhile, quarterback Mac Jones expressed his concern for his injured teammate. He also expressed his regret over throwing a pass that put Parker in a dangerous situation.

"Yeah, I mean, it's football and it's a bang-bang play. But I hate seeing that when you're the quarterback, it's the worst feeling in the world," Jones told reporters. "You can't put someone in that position. I feel like that's a tough bang-bang play."

A first-round pick in 2015, Parker is in his second season with the Patriots after spending his first seven seasons with the Dolphins. Injuries have been an unfortunate trend throughout his career, and even missed four games last year with multiple ailments.

As of Monday morning, the Patriots have not given any further updates on Parker's condition.

This article first appeared on FanNation Patriot Maven and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: