The New England Patriots are shutting down rookie defensive tackle Dominique Easley.

He's being placed on injured reserve due to a knee problem.

Easley tore both of his anterior cruciate ligaments in college at the University of Florida.

He was still drafted in the first round.

Easley is a talented player with durability issues.

This year, he's started two of 11 games played and has seven tackles, one sack, one pass defended and an interception.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun