Tank Williams analysis

ANALYSIS

The Patriots placed safety/linebacker Tank Williams on injured reserve today, ending his season, and this is a significant blow. The Patriots spent more than 10 of their first training camp practices with Williams working with the first-unit defense at inside linebacker, a reflection that he was a big part of their plans.

While Williams wasn't expected to be a full-time starter throughout the season, his work at inside linebacker added an interesting wrinkle to the team's defense. Because Williams was a hybrid safety/linebacker, the 3-4 alignment could have been viewed as a standard base defense, or a nickel package with an extra defensive back.

With more teams spreading the field with three receivers in the NFL, Williams figured to be a part of the Patriots' plans defending those clubs.

In addition to placing Williams on injured reserve, the Patriots also signed veteran cornerback Jeff Shoate.

The signing helps address injury concerns at the position, as cornerbacks Ellis Hobbs, Jason Webster, Mike Richardson and Jonathan Wilhite all did not play in Thursday's preseason opener. That left second-round pick Terrence Wheatley and nine-year veteran Lewis Sanders to essentially play the entire game at corner.

Shoate is a longer shot to make the club.