Leigh Bodden placed on injured reserve

In a surprising move that should have major repercussion on the New England Patriots' defense, star cornerback Leigh Bodden was placed on injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder.

Bodden was signed to a four-year, $28.5 million contract that included $10 million in guaranteed money last spring.

The Patriots also placed safety Josh Barrett (shoulder), defensive back Brett Lockett (chest) and defensive lineman Darryl Richard (foot) on injured reserve and released undrafted rookie defensive back Terrence Johnson.

Bodden started 14 games last season and tied for the team lead with five interceptions and led the team with 17 pass deflections. Bodden was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Patriots’ 31-14 win over the New York Jets after tying a team record with three interceptions.

He returned the first of his three interceptions in the Jets game 53 yards for a touchdown, the first interception return for a touchdown of his career.

Barrett was claimed off waivers from Denver by the Patriots earlier this month. 

He was originally drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Lockett was claimed off waivers from Cleveland by the Patriots last year. He was originally signed by the Browns as a rookie free agent out of UCLA. Last season with New England, he played in 10 games and finished with two tackles on defense and five special teams tackles.

Richard, 6-4, 295 pounds, spent last season on the New England practice squad after originally joining the team as a seventh-round draft pick out of Georgia Tech.

Johnson was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of California (Pa.) this spring. He was released by the Patriots on Aug. 23, 2010 and then re-signed on Aug. 29.

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