Raekwon McMillan suffers torn ACL injury, out for the 2021 season

New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan has suffered a torn ACL injury according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. This is his second ACL injury in three years.

“Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan suffered a torn ACL during a recent practice and is out for the season, per me and Tom Pelissero,” Rapoport tweeted. “He was absent from yesterday’s practice. This is the second torn ACL for the former Dolphins 2nd round pick, but this time on the other knee.”

Raekwon McMillan injury history

The former Ohio State Buckeyes signed a one-year contract with the Patriots after completing the 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Miami Dolphins drafted McMillan in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, McMillan suffered his first ACL injury.

McMillan became a quality contributor for the Dolphins in 2018. He recorded 105 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and racked up two tackles for losses. In 2019, Pro Football Focus pegged McMillan as the Dolphins’ highest-rated defender but after trying to come to a long-term deal, the two sides parted ways. McMillan signed with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2019 season, where came off the bench and totaled only 27 tackles in 16 games. 

Patriots Opportunity

McMillan was ecstatic to join the Patriots this offseason. He was excited about the opportunity to be coached by Bill Belichick.

“Just seeing them and seeing the prestige that came with being a Patriot and this track record of winning football games and winning championships,” he told reporters. “That really did it for me. I just wanted to be a part of that.”

In his short stay as a Patriot, BIllicheck had the utmost respect for the veteran linebacker. As matter of fact, McMillan’s performance in training camp began to catch important eyes.

“Raekwon’s done a really good job,” Belichick said Monday to reporters. “He’s locked in every day. He works extremely hard both on and off the field. Does a great job of trying to get it just the way that it’s supposed to be, the way he’s been taught. He takes all that very seriously and handles a lot of responsibility in there.”

New England Patriots next step

As a result of Raekwon McMillan suffering an injury, the Patriots have re-signed Caash Maluia according to Tom Pelissero. He was a sixth-round pick in 2019 and played in nine games as a rookie. Ultimately, Maluia was cut in March for McMillan.

“With Raekwon McMillan out for the season, the Patriots are bringing back an old friend,” tweeted Pelissero. “They’re expected to re-sign LB Cassh Maluia, a source said. The sixth-round pick in 2020 played in nine games as a rookie, but was cut in March after New England signed McMillan.”