Koppen, Gay done for season

Just when you thought maybe the worst was over, lightning strikes again.

The New England Patriots placed center Dan Koppen and cornerback Randall Gay on injured reserved, ending their 2005 seasons.

Koppen left Sunday's win over Miami late in the third quarter holding his left arm. His shoulder was cited the reason he was placed on injured reserve.

Gay has been battling ankle problems most of the season, and they finally sidelined him. The addition of Gay to the IR list brings the total of defensive backs the Patriots started the season with to seven.

Koppen, 26, was selected in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft out of Boston College. He has played in 41 games for New England, including the last 40 consecutive starts. That was the second longest active streak after quarterback Tom Brady (71).

Gay, 23, was signed as an undrafted free agent in April of 2004. He has made 11 starts, including 2 starts in 5 games this season. Gay led the team in tackles with 11 in Super Bowl XXXIX.