The Patriots came out of last Saturday’s victory over the Chiefs with several injuries on the defensive side of the ball to keep an eye on as they moved on to preparations for the AFC championship game.
They won’t have to keep an eye on linebacker Jerod Mayo any longer because he won’t be playing this weekend. Mayo has been placed on injured reserve because of the shoulder injury he suffered last weekend and will not play against Denver or in the Super Bowl should the Patriots advance to Santa Clara.
It’s the third straight year that ends with Mayo on injured reserve, although he made it much deeper into the year than he did in the previous two seasons. Mayo played in all 17 games for the Patriots this year, albeit in a less prominent role than he played in previous seasons. That may signal an end to Mayo’s time with the team as the Pats hold a team option in each of the next two seasons.
Jamie Collins also left the game against the Chiefs with an injury and the condition of his back will take on even more importance with Mayo out of the picture as a replacement.