Patriots Mounting Injuries Aren't Funny

Adalius Thomas, you're the next contestant on the injured list! Come on down!

According to media sources, Thomas broke his arm on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season.

Honestly, what is this? Is this a running joke? Is Ashton Kutcher gonna pop out of the Patriots training room and tell Patriot Nation, "You've been Punked!" With all the injuries suffered by the New England players, it's starting to feel like a bad t.v. show: Meet the Patri-ouchs!

So let's see here, That makes Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Rodney Harrison, Shawn Crable, and now Thomas on injured reserve. Among those five there might be more Pro Bowl selections missing the season than active players with the honor, and Crable hasn't even reached the playing field, let alone Hawaii.

Oh, and by the way, Bo Ruud has been on IR since day one.

If Thomas is placed on IR, what are the Patriots' options? I don't think Junior Seau is interested in playing again, especially under these circumstances. The only back-up left is Pierre Woods, and I'm not high on the kid.

Considering all that Thomas did for the team, it's not going to be easy to replace his presence. Woods seems the play the run well. They can sub in DL Jarvis Green in pass rush situations. And rookie LB Gary Guyton could play a larger role in pass coverage as he shifts outside part-time.

Because the team is in a "do what we must" situation, these kind of manuverings come a t a price. A lot of defensive schemes would become transparent. Based on who the OLB is, teams willl get a strong sense of the Patriots' intentions.

Then again, this could be the opportunity Wood was hoping for. He's a great special teams player, but he hasn't improved to difference-maker with the regular defense. Sometimes more playing time is all one needs to show they have what it takes. It worked for QB Matt Cassel and RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Even Guyton earned his way onto the field. Woods could become the next feel good story for the Patriots. Woods will have the opportunity to erase the memory of being stripped of a fumble is Super Bowl XLII. Either Woods steps up or Vince Redd comes out of nowhere and becomes the newest darling of the team.

A story about a second chance gone good. Yeah, I'd a show like that.