The New England Patriots have placed defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on season-ending injured reserve, the team announced Thursday.
Vince Wilfork injury: Patriots place DT on injured reserve
The New England Patriots will be without defensive tackle Vince Wilfork for the remainder of the 2013 season.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Wilfork tore his Achilles tendon in the Patriots victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 10-year veteran underwent surgery Wednesday. Recovery for an Achilles injury typically ranges from six to 10 weeks before a player is able to begin running, but normally takes far longer to be in game shape.
Joe Vellano will start at defensive tackle for Wilfork. The undrafted free agent has played well in limited time this season, totaling 10 tackles and a sack in a rotational role. New England has not made any signings on its defensive line at this time.
Moving Wilfork to IR wasn't the only move the Patriots made Thursday. The organization released rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld and signed wide receiver Austin Collie. Sudfeld did not register a catch in the Patriots first four games, while Collie played preseason football with the San Francisco 49ers before being released.
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