New England Patriots place Martellus Bennett, Nate Ebner on injured reserve
Tuesday 28 November 2017 11:57, UK
The New England Patriots have placed former Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett and special teams ace Nate Ebner on injured reserve.
Bennett was claimed off waivers by the Patriots earlier this month following his release by the Green Bay Packers.
The 30-year-old played in two games for New England this season and caught six passes for 53 yards but was inactive for Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins due to hamstring and shoulder injuries.
Live NFL
Bennett had a shoulder injury when he was waived by the Packers earlier this month but elected to sign for New England, where he won a Super Bowl last season, instead of undergoing season-ending surgery.
In his first interview after joining the Patriots, Bennett said: "It was like one of those things, I talked to six or seven doctors about it and it could go either way.
"It was one of those things I felt I should get fixed. And then after trying to get it fixed and getting waived, you just get that vengeance in your heart. It's just like, 'That's how you're going to do it? Then, let's go ball.'"
Bennett is due a $2m roster bonus on the third day of the 2018 league year. He will become a free agent if the Patriots elect not to pick that up.
With Bennett on IR, the Patriots are left with All-Pro Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen and rookie Jacob Hollister at the tight end position.
In addition to Bennett, the Patriots also placed core special teams player Ebner on injured reserve.
Ebner was injured against Miami after successfully executing a 14-yeard fake punt to pick up a first down.
The Patriots now have two open roster spots.
