McCourty could be called upon to help the safeties if things continue as they are.
FOXBOROUGH – With injuries and ineffectiveness plaguing the New England Patriots at safety, Devin McCourty knows the call could come at any moment.
Last year when similar problems hit, McCourty, a cornerback by trade, was asked to step back there and help provide depth at the end of the season. He hasn’t heard anything about a potential move yet, but he’s been here long enough to know that playing in New England means being ready for every scenario.
"That's not my call, I'll do whatever coach [Bill Belichick] decides," McCourty said. "We've got some young guys that I think are doing a great job of picking up the defense since they've been here. I think they've done a great job just responding and give them opportunities to show what they know and how they can play."
Rookie safety Tavon Wilson has shown some promise during his time on the field this season, though his inexperience sank the Patriots last week against the Seahawks when he played a part in giving up the game-winning, 46-yard touchdown.
Wilson has been forced into a larger role on defense with safety Steve Gregory battling a hip injury, and fellow rookie Nate Ebner was forced to step up after Patrick Chung suffered a shoulder injury last week.
But even when the starters are on the field, the safeties have struggled with their assignments and have played a key role in New England surrendering 33 passes of 20 or more yards, the highest mark in the league.
It’s doubtful that McCourty will be asked to abandon his role this week, but it is possible.
"On this team, you've got to be ready to go anywhere," McCourty said.