New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday due to a shoulder injury.
The injury happened during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Mayo didn’t return to the game after getting injured.
This is the third straight year that Mayo’s season has ended on injured reserve. Mayo agreed to a restructuring of his contract before the season that includes a $4 million bonus due before the end of the league year if the Patriots exercise their option, according to ESPN. Mayo would count $11.4 million against the salary cap if he returns to the Patriots.
Mayo was drafted by the Patriots in 2008. He made eight starts and had 47 tackles and one sack this season, according to Sports Illustrated. Mayo has 803 tackles, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and three interceptions in his eight-year NFL career.
With Mayo out the question is will Jamie Collins , who suffered an oblique strain on Saturday, be healthy on Sunday. If Collins is out on Sunday or has limited play time, then the Patriots linebacker corps won’t be strong, NFL.com notes.
The Patriots play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.