Speaking in a Monday radio interview, Patriots coach Bill Belichick admitted NT Vince Wilfork has a "serious injury," and is unlikely to play again this season.

It's as forthright as the 'ol ball coach will ever get. Wilfork's "serious injury" is believed to be a torn Achilles' tendon, which would definitely be season-ending. Going on 32, Wilfork is signed through 2014. For now, the Patriots will mix and match with Joe Vellano and Chris Jones at nose tackle, while Tommy Kelly could see an increase in snaps. It's one of the biggest losses the already banged-up Pats could have sustained.

A league source tells the Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young that Patriots NT Vince Wilfork has been diagnosed with a torn Achilles' tendon.

If true, it means Wilfork's season is over, and that the Patriots have a gaping hole on the front line of their defense. Wilfork went down in the first quarter of Sunday night's win, and did not return. Wilfork has missed just six games in 10 NFL seasons, and zero since 2009. Joe Vellano and Chris Jones are next up on the depth chart, though the Pats will likely be in the market for help.

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork will not return in Sunday night's Week 4 game against the Falcons with an ankle injury.

Wilfork had to be carted off the field in the first quarter after suffering a setback to his right foot/ankle. He was spotted walking with a noticeable limp and is currently in a protective boot. The full extent of the injury isn't yet known, but it's a massive blow to the Patriots' defensive line. Joe Vellano and Tommy Kelly will fill in until he's ready to return.

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork exited Sunday night's Week 4 game against the Falcons with a right ankle injury.

Wilfork has been dealing with the ankle/foot injury since last week and suffered a setback after having it stepped on in the first quarter. He was carted off the field and is questionable to return. His loss is a huge downgrade to the defensive line. The Patriots have just Tommy Kelly, Joe Vellano, and Chris Jones behind him on their 53-man roster.

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork (illness) was added to the Week 8 injury report.

Wilfork was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday while the Patriots went through a final walk-through in London. He is listed officially as "probable" for Sunday afternoon's game against the Rams at Wembley Stadium.

The Patriots are expected to keep Vince Wilfork more at nose tackle in 2011, rather than kicking him to end as they did last year.

Wilfork played over 40 percent of his snaps at "five technique," mostly because Patriots ends combined to miss more than 30 games. The Pats would "clearly" prefer Wilfork push the pocket and create havoc in the middle going forward. They're likely to use one of their premium picks on a defensive end this draft, and also get back all of the injured players from 2010.