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The New England Patriots placed tight end Martellus Bennett on injured reserve, per the Globe’s Jim McBride. Bennett played two games for the Patriots, recording 6 catches for 53 yards on just 24 snaps after New England claimed the tight end off waivers.
BREAKING: League source confirms #Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett will go on injured reserve. Played two games after being claimed on waivers from Packers.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) November 27, 2017
Bennett needs shoulder surgery and the Patriots knew of that risk when they claimed the tight end, but the Herald’s Jeff Howe reports it was actually a hamstring tear that landed Bennett on the injured reserve. Hopefully Bennett will be ready to return in 2018.
The Patriots felt comfortable placing Bennett on the injured reserve after Dwayne Allen started to contribute on a more regular basis after the bye week. Look for the return of Chris Hogan to also supplement whatever offensive production Bennett projected to have for the rest of the year.
More on this story when it becomes available.
UPDATE: According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Bennett's hamstring is more of an issue than his shoulder – but he will still get surgery on the latter.