NFL

2 Key Pats Injured, Likely Done for the Season

The Patriots are coming off back to back losses and play the division-leading Dolphins this Sunday in Foxboro

What to Know

  • The New England Patriots placed running back Rex Burkhead and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley on the injured reserve list.
  • To compensate for the loss of Burkhead and Bentley, the Patriots re-signed running back Kenjon Barner and signed defensive end John Simon.
  • Players put on the NFL's injured reserve list generally do not return to the active roster for the remainder of the season.

The bad news keeps mounting for the New England Patriots as the team placed running back Rex Burkhead and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley on the injured reserved list, the team announced Wednesday.

Burkhead has a neck problem and the reason for Bentley being placed on the IR is unknown.

Burkhead is the leading rusher on the team with 86 yards, while the rookie Bentley is among the team leaders in tackles.

Players put on the NFL's injured reserve list generally do not return to the active roster for the remainder of the season.

Eleven other Patriots players were listed as limited participants in practice on Wednesday due to various injuries, including tight end Rob Gronkowski (ankle) and newly acquired wide receiver Josh Gordon (hamstring).

To compensate for the loss of Burkhead and Bentley, the Patriots re-signed running back Kenjon Barner and signed defensive end John Simon. 

Barner, 29, has played with the Chargers, Eagles, and most recently was with the Panthers through training camp.

Simon, 27, previously played for the Ravens, Texans, and Colts, before being released earlier this month.

The Patriots also signed defensive back David Jones to the practice squad and released wide receiver Jace Billingsley form the practice squad.

The Patriots are 1-2, coming off back to back losses and play the division-leading 3-0 Dolphins this Sunday in Foxboro.

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