The New England Patriots have placed cornerback Ras-I Dowling on injured reserve, ending the second-round pick's rookie season very early.
Dowling had last played for the Patriots back in Week 2 against the San Diego Chargers, and has been held back by injuries in practice throughout the year.
According to Ian Rapoport, the move comes after an MRI revealed a torn tendon in his leg. With the injury needing at least four weeks to heal, the Patriots decided to just shut down the rookie for 2011.
It was just days ago that the Patriots released Leigh Bodden, so this new loss leaves the Patriots' secondary woefully thin at the corners after Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington. One wonders if the move still would have been made had the Patriots known that they'd be without their draftee so soon.
Meanwhile, Kevin Faulk and Brandon Deaderick have rejoined the team, being activated from the physically unable to play list.