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JIM DONALDSON: Colvin's loss costly

It's not good news that, on the heels of a disappointing defensive effort against the Eagles -- who, with backup QB A.J. Feeley starting for the first time since 2004, put together four long scoring drives Sunday night -- the Patriots have put outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on the Injured Reserve list for the remainder of the season.

A highly-effective speed rusher, Colvin led the team in quarterback sacks the past two years (he had 8.5 last season, 7 in 2005). He had four this season, along with an interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

His absence will be a blow to New England's highly-effective, but elderly, linebacking corps. Mike Vrabel is 32, Adalius Thomas is 30, Tedy Bruschi is 34, and Junior Seau will be 39 in January. With Colvin out, those four older players now will have to spend more time on the field, further wearing them down and increasing their own chance of injury.

There isn't much behind them on the depth chart. The backup at outside linebacker is Pierre Woods. Inside, it's Eric Alexander. To replace Colvin, the Pats today signed 36-year-old Chad Brown.

The Patriots have been fortunate, compared to many other teams, in having had relatively few significant injuries this season.

But this one hurts, no pun intended.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 7:04 PM to Rosevelt Colvin | Permalink | Comments 0

Troy Brown activated; Colvin to IR

Hey all --

The New England Patriots today activated veteran Troy Brown off the physically unable to perform list and placed linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on season-ending injured reserve.

Additionally, the Pats re-signed linebacker Chad Brown and released rookie Kareem Brown.

Troy Brown is returning from offseason knee surgery after being hurt in the AFC Championship game. He has played 191 games with New England and is the team's longest-tenured player.

Colvin was announced to have suffered a foot injury in Sunday's game with the Eagles, though on television it appeared that trainers were working on his arm.

Kareem Brown was New England's fourth-round draft pick this year out of Miami; he has not been active for any of the team's games this season. The Pats are likely hoping he will clear waivers so he can be retained on their practice squad.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Projo PatsTalk with Shalise Manza Young

Here is this week's edition, in pictures and audio.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments 0