Starks on IR, Pats-Dolphins Injury Report

The New England Patriots placed cornerback Duane Starks on injured reserve with severe burns on over 80 percent of his deep coverages. Starks, who started the season with a thigh injury and recently had shoulder problems that may require surgery, is done for the 2005 season.

The Patriots have yet to fill Starks' spot, leaving 52 players on the active roster.

New England, who started with 10 defensive backs on the roster, have placed five on injured reserve. Starks joins fellow cornerbacks Tyrone Poole and Chad Scott, and safeties Guss Scott and Rodney Harrison.

The defensive backs available are far from impressive. The Patriots worked out Terrell Buckley, Aaron Beasley, Rod Babers and Mario Edwards last month. Chances are, New England will sign one of them.

Sunday's Injury Report

Miami Dolphins
No Injuries Reported

New England Patriots
OUT
Kevin Faulk (RB) Foot
Matt Light (T) Ankle
Duane Starks (CB) Shoulder/Thigh
QUESTIONABLE
Tom Ashworth (T) Knee
Troy Brown (WR) Foot
Corey Dillon (RB) Ankle
Tim Dwight (WR) Rib
Randall Gay (CB) Ankle
David Givens (WR) Knee
Daniel Graham (TE) Shoulder
Jarvis Green (DE) Shoulder
Marquise Hill (DE) Ankle
Ellis Hobbs (CB) Thigh
Patrick Pass (FB) Hamstring
James Sanders (S) Ankle
Richard Seymour (DE) Knee
Ty Warren (DE) Hip
PROBABLE
Tom Brady (QB) Right Shoulder