"New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is expected to miss a few weeks due to his injured right ankle, a source told ESPN.com.

Hernandez's absence would force the Patriots to adjust without one of their best offensive weapons. There is not an exact timetable for Hernandez's return, but the star tight end will not play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, the source said.

According to the source, Hernandez likely will not return until October at the earliest. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said during Monday's news conference that he did not have an update on Hernandez's status.

Hernandez suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's