Spikes' agent says IR decision was NOT mutual

courtesy nydailynews.com

If you all remember, we posted this story on Friday in regards to Brandon Spikes being a complete no-show at practice during the snow storm. Another coincidence is that Spikes is on season ending injured reserve. Now, this tweet comes out tonight from Ian Rapoport

Per Spikes' agent Gary Uberstine, #Pats decision to place him on IR "was not a mutual decision. Brandon had every intention to keep playing"
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2014

In a statement released by Spikes' agent to nfl.com, he states that: "Brandon had every intention to keep playing throughout the playoffs, despite the pain he was experiencing throughout the season. We never had a single conversation with the Patriots in which they threatened to release him if he didn't accept the injured reserve designation." Chris Mortensen also tweeted this out last week, interesting points, except for the mutual part.

Brandon Spikes hobbled with knee but being late to Friday's bye week practice was final straw for Belichick. Mutually, to IR, per sources
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 11, 2014

One reason for the injured reserve could be to save him from free agency. If the Patriots keep him on injure reserve, he cannot be on the market to other playoff teams. An outright release would make him bait for anyone who wants him, including the Broncos, Seahawks, and 49ers.

- Joshua Powers
@jmano33