The excitement in Patriotsville was dampened a bit by the team's not-so-great performance against the Rams last week. On Tuesday, things got a bit more serious, as the team placed cornerback Leigh Bodden on injured reserve, thereby ending his season.
The 28-year-old Bodden signed a four-year deal this offseason after intercepting five passes for the Pats last season. His veteran presence was supposed to be something on which Bill Belichick could rely this year, but now youngsters like Darius Butler, Jonathan Wilhite and Devin McCourty can expect increased levels of responsibility.
The team also placed defensive lineman Darryl Richard (foot) and defensive backs Brett Lockett (chest) and Josh Barrett (shoulder) on injured reserve and released defensive back Terrence Johnson. Sources have indicated to NESN.com's Jeff Howe that Lockett suffered a torn pectoral muscle, underwent surgery earlier in August and faces a recovery time of six to eight months.
