Patriots RB Maroney placed on injured reserve

Oct 20, 2008 - 10:10 PM FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney's season is over.

New England on Monday placed Maroney on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

The Patriots' first-round pick in 2006, Maroney sat out New England's 30-10 loss at San Diego on October 12 due to the injury. He also missed a home game against the Miami Dolphins in Week Three due to the shoulder.

Maroney, who is signed through the 2010 season, finishes the season with just 28 carries for 93 yards.

In 2007, Maroney missed three full games with assorted injuries. He wound up with 185 carries for 835 yards and six touchdowns.

However, the third-year running back came up huge in the postseason, registering back-to-back efforts of 122 yards in playoff victories over Jacksonville and San Diego.

Sammy Morris will start at running back for Monday night's game against the Denver Broncos. Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans likely will serve as backups since LaMont Jordan is doubtful with a calf injury.

In other moves Monday, the Patriots activated guard Stephen Neal from the physically unable to perform list and signed cornerback Mike Richardson to the active roster off their practice squad. Additionally, the team released offensive lineman Dan Connolly.