New England Patriots place Jerod Mayo on IR
By Josh Sanchez
The New England Patriots defense has taken another big hit. There was plenty of speculation that starting linebacker Jerod Mayo could miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, but the team was providing no official update.
Today, it was confirmed that Mayo’s season would be over as the team announced that he would be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.
Mayo joins defensive lineman Vince Wilfork on the injured reserve list, which leaves New England without two of their top defensive stars as they continue through the season.
While Wilfork was crucial to the team’s run defense, Mayo was the man who had play-calling duties and was the true on-field commander for the unit. Without Mayo patrolling the field, the Patriots will need to dig deep and find someone that can step up and handle the additional responsibilities.
It won’t be easy, but it must be done.
At 5-1, the Patriots are well positioned to make a serious run this season, but they will need their defense to not let them down.