FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley left Sunday's AFC championship game after being hit in the head in the fourth quarter.

Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard brought Ridley down on an 8-yard run at the Patriots 47 yard-line. The New England running back twisted awkwardly as he fell to the turf, landing on his bottom and knocking the ball loose with his knee in the process.

Ridley did not move his legs for a minute or so. The Patriots' training staff and coach Bill Belichick rushed onto the field to check on him as the officials tried to sort out who had recovered the fumble.

Ridley joined a growing list of Patriots players leaving the game.

Cornerback Aqib Talib hurt his thigh and defensive tackle Kyle Love injured his knee. Backup safety Patrick Chung was helped off the field after one play.

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