Hours after word broke that the Patriots agreed to terms with one veteran wide receiver, reaching a one-year deal with Reggie Wayne, the team has ended the season of another veteran wideout. According to a press release, the Pats have placed Brandon Gibson on injured reserve.
A former Ram, Gibson joined the Dolphins prior to the 2013 season, and put up nearly identical numbers in his two seasons with the club. Of course, in 2013, when he grabbed 30 balls for 326 yards and three touchdowns, he did so in just seven games. In 2014, Gibson totaled 29 receptions for 295 yards and a TD in 14 contests.
Gibson, 28, signed a one-year, minimum-salary benefit contract with the Patriots in March, getting a $40K bonus to join the club. He had looked good in the preseason and was poised to earn a roster spot in New England before he suffered a knee injury over the weekend. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), it’s a torn ACL for Gibson.
With the roster spot created by placing Gibson on IR, the Patriots have re-signed rookie linebacker D.J. Lynch, according to the team. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com also reported earlier today (via Twitter) that fullback Eric Kettani was informed of his release by the team, though there’s no word of that move in the Pats’ official announcement today.
This would explain the sudden interest in Wayne, who will probably provide a bigger impact than Gibson.