Turns out that when the Patriots placed linebacker Brandon Spikes on the IR list earlier this week, it wasn't only because of the balky knee that's been bothering most of the season.
Although he was ranked by Pro Football Focus' metrics as the top run-stopping linebacker in the league this year, the Patriots ended his season before the playoffs began in part because he was late to a team meeting last week, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Spikes' reported tardiness apparently was the "final straw" for coach Bill Belichick, and the IR transaction reportedly was a mutual decision.
Spikes recorded 82 tackles on the season and recorded the second interception of his career, and although the Patriots statistically have one of the worst run defenses in the league, New England decided it was better if Spikes didn't play.
Considering Spikes will enter unrestricted free agency after this season, this might be the end of his tenure in New England.
Follow Josh Katzowitz on Google+
