Bodden was battling through a minor knee injury earlier in training camp, but he apparently suffered the shoulder injury Thursday against Rams. The Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young reported it was a torn rotator cuff, and Bodden seemed to confirm that news by reposting it on his official Twitter account.
The Patriots, who lost defensive end Ty Warren to injury earlier in August, will look toward second-year cornerback Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty to hold down the starting spots now that Bodden will miss the year. Bodden was in the first season of a new, $22 million, four-year contract.
New England also announced four other roster moves Tuesday to get down to the league-mandated 75-man roster. Safety Bret Lockett (chest), safety Josh Barrett (shoulder) and defensive lineman Darryl Richard (foot) were all placed on injured reserve, and cornerback Terrence Johnson was released for the second time in the last week.
Lockett suffered a torn pectoral muscle early in training camp and underwent surgery earlier in August, according to a source. His recovery was expected to last six to eight months.
