The New England Patriots' thin secondary just became a little more emaciated. Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty has been ruled out of Monday night's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.
The cornerback injured his shoulder last Sunday against the New York Jets. McCourty missed the first three practices of the week, but returned to the field Saturday as the Patriots continued preparation for Kansas City.
New England's banged-up secondary will be facing inexperienced Kansas City quarterback Tyler Palko. Palko, normally Matt Cassel's backup, will make the first start of his career due to a hand injury that could keep Cassel out the remainder of the season.
The Pittsburgh alum has appeared in four games during his NFL career, throwing just 13 attempts. Undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, Palko has spent most of his NFL career on practice squads and spent the 2009 season playing for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
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