The New England Patriots announced that veteran defensive lineman Rodney Bailey has been placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles tendon today. He will miss the 2004 season, but is expected to make a full recovery.
The Patriots signed Bailey, 24, as a restricted free agent on March 11, 2004. The 6-foot-3-inch, 305-pound defensive lineman was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL draft (181st overall). He played in every game (48) for the Steelers during his first three seasons in the league, starting one game as a rookie in 2001. He has 39 career tackles, including 9.5 sacks.