The New England Patriots defense has been battered by injuries all season. They were hoping to get a boost with linebacker Shea McClellin nearing a return from IR.
McClellin was placed on IR prior to the season as a designated to return player. He was eligible to return this week, which was good timing for New England. With linebacker Dont’a Hightower out for the season with a shoulder injury, getting McClellin back would have helped fill the hole left with Hightower’s injury.
Unfortunately for the Patriots and McClellin, that will not be happening. According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, McClellin isn’t expected to come off IR anytime soon.