The limping Patriots were dealt another injury blow Tuesday when defensive lineman Dominique Easley was placed on injured reserve.
Easley suffered a thigh injury in last Sunday’s win in Houston. He had a sack and a quarterback hit before leaving the game.
A first-round pick in 2014, Easley had started just one game this season but was a key member of the Patriots’ defensive line rotation. He also finished last season on injured reserve.
The Patriots also lost running back LeGarrette Blount, safety Devin McCourty and linebacker Jonathan Freeny to injuries during the game, but it was previously reported that McCourty will be back for the playoffs. The status of Blount and Freeny is unknown.
