The hits just keep on coming for the Patriots. After officially placing Dont’a Hightower on injured reserve, the Patriots have learned that linebacker Shea McClellin will be unable to return from IR this year (Twitter link via Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald). 
McClellin suffered a concussion in practice which will keep him from seeing the field in 2017. We still don’t know the nature of the original injury that landed him on IR to begin the year.
McClellin, a former first-round pick by Chicago, joined the Pats on a three-year, $9MM deal in 2016. He appeared in 441 snaps for New England last year and made some athletic plays, including his memorable leap over the line of scrimmage to block a field goal against the Ravens in December. The Patriots were hoping that he could help beef up their weakened pass rush this season, but he admittedly wasn’t stellar in that area last year. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 72 ranked edge defender among 108 qualified players.
Fek