Foxboro, MA – The New England Patriots have placed starting defensive end Andre Carter on injured reserve with a leg injury, ending his season.
The Patriots announced the move Tuesday, two days after their sacks leader was carted off the field at the end of the first quarter in Denver.
He went down grabbing his knee with what was reportedly a quadriceps injury that will require surgery. according to the Boston Herald.
The Patriots beat the Broncos, 41-23, and clinched the AFC East for the ninth time in 11 years. But they will play their remaining games without Carter, who had 52 tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in his first season with New England.
The 32-year-old end has 494 tackles, 76 sacks and 17 forced fumbles in 11 NFL seasons, including five each with the 49ers and Redskins.