Patriots will be without Ty Law

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004 | 10:14 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

The New England Patriots are going to have to get by without Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law for at least a month -- and perhaps as long as seven weeks -- after he was diagnosed with a broken bone in his left foot by a team doctor. Law collapsed on the field after turning the wrong way while in pass coverage during Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Law's Houston-based agent, Carl Poston, confirmed the injury Tuesday, while indicating that Law would seek a second opinion.

"Ty doesn't feel it's that bad," said Poston, who said the broken bone was across the top of the foot. "He'd like to be able to get back out there and play as soon as possible, but we've got to make sure he's 100 percent before he gets back on the field."

Law's high salary cap number was the source of offseason rancor between him and the team. Eventually, the Patriots decided not to fight Law when he refused to restructure his contract to lower that number, realizing how important he was to their defense.

The team certainly was reminded of that value after Law departed in the first quarter last Sunday and was replaced by rookie free agent Randall Gay, who was quickly beaten for a touchdown by Plaxico Burress.

The Jaguars have a bye this week, but when they resume play Nov. 14 against Detroit, backup David Garrard will be the starter. A fourth-round pick in 2002, Garrard has played in just one game this season.