The New England Patriots will be without linebacker Jerod Mayo this weekend for the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
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ESPN’s Field Yates was first to report the news.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are placing linebacker Jerod Mayo on injured reserve after he suffered a shoulder injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
With Dont’a Hightower (knee) and Jamie Collins (back) both dealing with injuries and Jonathan Freeny playing with a broken hand, the Pats could ill afford to lose the veteran captain, whose experience comes in handy this time of year.
Mayo is due a $4 million roster bonus in 2016, and he would carry an $11.4 million salary-cap hit.
By being placed on injured reserve, Mayo’s season is over.
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The IR designation means Mayo also will not be eligible for the Super Bowl should the Patriots beat the Broncos on Sunday in Denver. Injuries have been an issue for Mayo in his career, as he played in only six games apiece in 2013 and 2014 before appearing in all 16 games this year. Mayo played in all 17 games for the Patriots this year, albeit in a less prominent role than he played in previous seasons.
