New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has admitted that his side's defensive players will have to stand up and be counted if Vince Wilfork is ruled out for the season.

Wilfork reportedly tore his Achilles tendon in his right foot in his team's win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, potentially leaving the Patriots without their defensive captain for the rest of the campaign.

Belichick told reporters: "I don't really have a lot of new information on that. We'll just have to see how things turn out here. But he's an outstanding player, we all know that.

"He gives us great leadership and he's a strong contributor on and off the field and in the locker room and everything else.

"We'll just have to see how things come together for him and also what, obviously if he's not there, it will mean everybody having to pull a little bit more weight on their end."

The Patriots are 4-0 after week four of their season.