The Patriots have formally ruled Aaron Hernandez (ankle) out for Week 8.
Rather than creating a faux-injury drama — as is their style — the Pats have admitted Hernandez remained stateside when they made their trip across the pond. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Hernandez's ankle didn't respond to treatment this week, though it's unclear if he's suffered an official setback. Perhaps the Pats didn't like the way he looked playing hurt the past two weeks. As it is, Hernandez now has Weeks 8 and 9 to rest up, and should be ready to roll as a TE1 when New England comes off its bye.