New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork had surgery to repair a torn right Achilles, a medical situation that will eventually send him to season-ending injury reserve.

"I don't regret anything that has happened and there is no need to feel sorry about it," Wilfork said in a statement. "I know what signing up to play football means and I know the rewards and risks. This is my job and I will switch positions for now and play the role of patient, but that is only temporary.

"I have so much confidence in our team and know that they will do great. I just want to thank everyone for your support and encouragement. Please know your words are heard."

Wilfork's wife, Bianca, sent out a photo on Twitter with Wilfork in a hospital with a cast on his foot.

"It doesn't look too good for Vince," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday on WEEI. "I think he's got a pretty serious injury, and it's probably unlikely that he'll be able to play again this year. Clearly, there are no Vince Wilforks just standing around out there on the corner waiting to sign with the Patriots or some other NFL team.

"He is a special player, one of the very best at his position. There's no way that you would replace him with one guy, that's totally unrealistic. But we'll try to do what we can to make our team as competitive as possible with the 46 guys we put out there against Cincinnati this Sunday."

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.