Scott taken off the field on a cart

The injury bug hit the Patriots toward the end of yesterday's second practice, when cornerback Chad Scott landed awkwardly and had to be carted off the field.

The 32-year-old Scott appeared to be in significant pain. He remained on the ground for several minutes while being tended to by the team's training staff and needed assistance walking toward the sideline. Scott held his left knee as he was carted away.

The Patriots were nearing the end of their non-pads workout and were in the middle of an 11-on-11 passing drill when Scott was hurt. The 11-year veteran dropped into coverage along the sideline, and when a throw was made toward the middle of the field, Scott broke inside, in the direction of intended receiver C.J. Jones. As Jones caught the ball, a leaping Scott landed with a thud.

If Scott's injury is serious, it could be a big blow to the Patriots, who are already thin at cornerback.

With Asante Samuel remaining in a contract dispute, the Patriots paired Scott opposite Ellis Hobbs during the first two practices.

After Scott's injury, fourth-year veteran Randall Gay lined up opposite Hobbs. Gay had been paired with 12-year veteran Tory James, a free agent signee this offseason from the Bengals.

Rookie Mike Richardson (sixth round) and second-year man Gemara Williams also took repetitions at cornerback.

Other options could be moving safety Eugene Wilson to corner, since Wilson played cornerback at Illinois and sometimes moves there against multiple-receiver packages. However, Wilson entered training camp with the belief he was likely going to remain at safety.

First-round draft choice Brandon Meriweather started three games at cornerback at the University of Miami last season.