Jerod Mayo began his Wednesday press conference by announcing that starting captain Ja’Whaun Bentley would be placed on Injured Reserve to start the week. Bentley reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the team’s overtime loss to Seattle, leaving a significant gap in the middle of the defense against the Jets, where missed tackles and communication issues could have been mitigated by the presence of the dependable veteran.
Mayo reflected on his own experiences with injuries that sidelined him for an entire season, recalling how he once faced uncertainty about what would come next. Drawing inspiration from Bill Belichick during that time, he announced that Kyle Dugger would be appointed as a new captain for the team.
“I was a captain seven out of eight years, but I remember getting hurt early in the season, and then Coach [Belichick] approached me and asked if we could add another captain, and I was fine with it. So, I spoke with Bentley… and I emphasized the importance of having leadership and representation for that side of the ball,” Mayo explained. “I’m pleased to announce today that Kyle Dugger, who has shown significant growth both on and off the field, will now serve as a captain.”
Dugger, who signed a new four-year contract this offseason, solidifies his role as a core player for the team moving forward. He will wear the captain’s “C” on his jersey for the first time in his four-year career.
“It feels great, but at the end of the day, we’re just focused on winning games,” Dugger said shortly after Mayo’s announcement, expressing his desire to keep developing even as he steps into a leadership role. “I want to continue learning from the veterans and my mistakes, and remain open to growth. That’s been the key to my progress.”
Mayo praised Dugger, saying, “From his first year, it was clear he was a physical player… he brings the mentality and toughness that we want on our defense. Over the past few years, he’s excelled at mentoring both younger and older players. I spoke with [Jabrill] Peppers today, and he emphasized how valuable it has been to learn from Dugger and Devin [McCourty]. That speaks to Dugger’s leadership style. While he tends to lead more by example, he has become more vocal recently, which I truly appreciate.”
Dugger, however, remained grounded after the announcement, focusing on moving past the loss to the Jets and preparing for the upcoming game against the 49ers.
“My goal for Wednesday is to reset,” Dugger stated. “I want to go out to practice, concentrate on the game plan, and ensure I’m executing and communicating with my teammates. It’s all about making these practice days count.”
