"Mike Wright's 2011 season ended yesterday with a mix of sadness and relief, as the Patriots [team stats] defensive lineman was placed on injured reserve.

Wright, the team's top inside pass-rusher, had battled the effects of a concussion since the Patriots opening win against the Dolphins. Wright also missed the end of last season with a concussion that left him forced to sit in a dark, quiet room.

An undrafted player who became a key cog in the defensive line, Wright had 5.5 sacks in 2010. Yet his inability to stay on the field thanks to concussions makes one wonder if he'll be able to continue playing football at all."