The New England Patriots placed linebacker Jerod Mayo on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury.
It's the third consecutive season his season has ended early due to injuries.
Mayo played 36.2 percent of the snaps this season and had 47 tackles and one sack.
He took a pay cut in 2015 and is due a $4 million bonus at the start of the league year in March if the Patriots exercise their option, which would cost $11.4 million against the salary cap.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle.