Injury update: Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley was placed on injured reserve due to torn biceps

Three days after their loss against the Detroit Lions, the New England Patriots decided to place linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley on injured reserve. The move was a surprising one at the time, as the fifth-round rookie did not obviously suffer an injury during his team’s 26-10 loss. However, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss later reported that the 22-year old would not be a realistic candidate to return off the reserve list.

Now, we know why. According to Reiss’ Sunday Notes, Bentley suffered a torn biceps during the Patriots’ game in Detroit:

I’m told his injury, which occurred late in the team’s loss to the Lions on Sept. 23, is a torn biceps. He already has undergone surgery and has been around the team since, staying involved as he also focuses on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Bentley had a productive start to his pro career before getting placed on injured reserve. The fifth-round draft pick out of Purdue appeared in all three of New England’s games and was on the field for 138 of the Patriots’ defensive snaps (63.3%) as a rotational third/fourth linebacker and 46 (54.1%) on special teams. Overall, he registered 13 tackles and interception on defense and one stop in the kicking game.