New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin suffers setback
New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin suffered a setback and will not return from the IR.
The New England Patriots defense has been battered by injuries all season. They were hoping to get a boost with linebacker Shea McClellin nearing a return from IR.
McClellin was placed on IR prior to the season as a designated to return player. He was eligible to return this week, which was good timing for New England. With linebacker Dont’a Hightower out for the season with a shoulder injury, getting McClellin back would have helped fill the hole left with Hightower’s injury.
Unfortunately for the Patriots and McClellin, that will not be happening. According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, McClellin isn’t expected to come off IR anytime soon.
Garafolo shared the update on his Twitter account.
Pats LB Shea McClellin isn't expected to return off IR anytime soon, sources say. Was eligible to come back this week. Won't happen.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 7, 2017
Boston Herald beat reporter, Jeff Howe, shared some more insight. McClellin was placed on IR at the beginning of the season because of a concussion. It sounded like he was on pace to return to the team, but he has suffered a setback in practice.
Shea McLellin suffered a setback in practice while trying to return from injured reserve. Was placed on IR due to concussion, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) November 7, 2017
Concussions are nothing to mess around with. The fact he was placed on IR prior to the season gives off the impression that it was a serious one.
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Suffering a setback on his return from the concussion is not good news. McClellin also has a history of concussions, which makes this scenario that much worse.
Since McClellin returned to practice on October 18th, he had a 21-day window to return to the active roster. That day is today, November 7th. If the player is not put back on the active roster by 4 p.m. ET the day after, the said player cannot return to the active roster for the remainder of the regular season or postseason should the team make it.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared an update on his Twitter account as well, saying that McClellin is likely out for the remainder of the 2017 season.
McClellin seems to have suffered a setback working his way back. Likely out for 2017. Big blow for the #Patriots D. https://t.co/S5fn4D99eh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2017
As Rapoport says, this is a huge blow for the Patriots defense. New England has struggled on that side of the ball all season, ranking last in the NFL in yards allowed. They have struggled to stop both the run and pass, as opposing teams are uncharacteristically having their way offensively.
With Hightower out for the season as well, the Patriots have a huge hole at linebacker to fill. Veteran David Harris will be relied upon to help in the middle, as well as Elandon Roberts.
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Hopefully, McClellin is able to get healthy and return to the Patriots next season. Unfortunately, he will not be able to return and help them this season.