Neal to IR

[DefenseRules]

Just heard it reported on WEEI

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/s...guard-stephen-neal-placed-on-injured-reserve/

 

[Kid~Brady]

Shucks, that sucks.

 

[JSn]

Here comes a CB from the p-squad.

 

[jmt57]

Well that sucks. The additional depth for the rest of the season would have been nice.

Though I can't say it comes as a complete shock with the amount of time he's missed.



Next question is whether or not he wants to return next year.

 

[blackglass3]

Disappointing to say the least. Boy, do we get nailed with injuries or what?

 

[IndyKen]

Just heard it reported on WEEI

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet Blog Archive Patriots release injury report: Guard Stephen Neal placed on Injured Reserve

Darn, that could be it career wise for him.......good thing Connolly has been playing well.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Damn shame. Gotta wonder if this is it for him. I still think he a force in the running game. His health has been a majour issue these last 4 years.

Nevertheless, a solid career for an undrafted wrestler.

 

[ALP]

How does this happen as soon as Logan gets back? Any idea when this injury took place?

 

[shmessy]

For a "project" lineman who never played a down in college, Stephen Neal can hold his head up high - - he built himself a very nice career in the NFL and has a couple of rings to show for it. Uncle Dante can be thanked also for turning this raw talent into a polished O lineman.

 

[Lansdowne]

The Pats yielded much profit from Neal as a project. Sucks to lose him since he was one of the most underrated guards in the game. Looks like Connolly will continue to play a big role for us after all.

 

[Kontradiction]

At least Connolly got solid starting reps this season and can come in. With this in mind, Neal is probably done for his career. He was tossing around retirement after the Ravens Wild Card embarrassment (hesitant to call that a "game") and now, with a season ending injury, I doubt there is much left for Neal. If/when he retires, this should make re-signing Mankins to a long term deal seem like even more of a no-brainer than it already was. It's extremely likely that we're going to go either RG or C in the upcoming draft, if not both. Letting Mankins walk would only set us back.

 

[Deus Irae]

Terrible news. While Connolly's played better on the right than the left, Neal was still the better player. Also, this kills any sort of depth the line might have had. The remaining group of five starters had better be iron men.

On the positive side, Mankins return seems to have really solidified the line, and Brady seems to have adjusted well to having Connolly and Vollmer on the right right side. The team's been able to run the ball, and has been solid in pass defense.

 

[D-Money]

Agreed.Have to sign Mankins.

 

[LiveShot]

Not too surprising but injuries are part of the game. BB will adapt just fine.

 

[FibSeq13478]

Not too surprising but injuries are part of the game. BB will adapt just fine.

Wonder why they didn't wait till day before the game day to make the roster move like they are required to? Makes me think they are bringing a free agent either to the 53 or to the practice squad.

 

[Calciumee]

If he does hang them up, he has been a fantastic player for being an undrafted player

He worked for it, and he deserved everything

 

[Rob0729]

Too bad. Connelly has played very well in his place, but we can always use the depth. I think his career as a Patriot and possibly as a NFL player has come to an end. I don't see him coming back next year.

 

[FloridaPatsFan]

For a "project" lineman who never played a down in college, Stephen Neal can hold his head up high - - he built himself a very nice career in the NFL and has a couple of rings to show for it. Uncle Dante can be thanked also for turning this raw talent into a polished O lineman.

You nailed it shmessy.... well said.

 

[JackBauer]

Conclusion: pay Mankins.

 

[Kontradiction]

Conclusion: pay Mankins.

That was already the conclusion a few months ago. Now it's the conclusion with an exclamation point.