Star LB Jerod Mayo on season-ending injured reserve as list of injured Pats defenders grows

In this Oct. 13, 2013 photo, New England Patriots outside linebacker Jerod Mayo is tended after being injured on a tackle of New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. Mayo suffered a season-ending injury on the play, and the Patriots placed him on the injured reserve list on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) (The Associated Press)

In this Sunday, Oct.13, 2013 photo, New England Patriots outside linebacker Jerod Mayo warms up on the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, in Foxborough, Mass. Mayo suffered a season-ending injury during the game, and the Patriots placed him on the injured reserve list on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots "next man up" philosophy is getting tested.

New England's latest player to be sidelined is linebacker Jerod Mayo. The two-time Pro Bowl standout was placed on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday after hurting his chest in the fourth quarter of the Patriots' 30-27 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

He joins defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on injured reserve. In Sunday's game against the New York Jets, cornerback Aqib Talib could be sidelined with a hip injury and starting defensive tackle Tommy Kelly could be out with a knee injury.

On offense, wide receiver Danny Amendola and guard Dan Connolly suffered head injuries last Sunday.

Talib, Kelly, Amendola and Connolly all missed practice Wednesday. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was a limited participant.

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org