Visanthe Shiancoe hits temporary Injured Reserve
The New England Patriots placed tight end Visanthe Shaincoe on injured reserve with the designation that he can return this season.
Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, previously of the St. Louis Rams, was signed to the open roster spot.
Shiancoe can begin practicing with the team in three weeks and is eligible to return to game action in eight weeks. With New England on a bye Week 9, his first game could come Week 10 against the Bills.
This move was expected as early as Friday when Shiancoe had made the final 53 man roster. He has barely practiced at all as a Patriot, missing most of training camp with an injury. However, he clearly still has talent and the Pats want him on the team as otherwise they would have simply cut him instead of wasting the temporary IR spot for him.
The Patriots signed Michael Hoomanawanui earlier today, over Kellen Winslow, who it's reported failed his physical with the Patriots.
Shiancoe has been a force on the field as recently as three years ago when he caught 56 passes and 11 touchdowns with Brett Favre at quarterback in Minnesota. However, his production has dropped since then with the sporadic quarterback play.
With Aaron Hernandez basically counting as a receiver, and the Pats suffering the consequences of having no depth at the position last year, Belichick is making sure the team has a stockpile of talented players should Gronk or Hernandez miss any time.
