FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. The Patriots have placed nine players on injured reserve since the start of training camp, which sparks a few questions: How does that compare to other teams across the NFL, and to the team’s most recent years?
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the nine players (not including those who received an injury settlement, such as receiver Jordan Matthews) ties for the NFL high this season with the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts (entering Friday).