No More Gostkowski

When Wes Welker came in to kick an extra point in Sunday's loss to the Browns, most of us might have figured Stephen Gostkowski's supposed thigh injury would hold him out a few weeks. After a developing story today, though, it seems that the most accurate kicker in Patriots history will be done for the remainder of the season. The Pats placed Gostkowski on IR (injured reserve) this morning, ending his 2010 campaign and leaving the burden on the leg of the newly signed Shayne Graham.

The thigh injury to Gostkowski turns out to be a torn quad muscle that may even require surgery. In addition to his accuracy kicking field goals (although his rate was a little down this season), the Patriots will lose his exceptional power on kickoffs. He was among the league's best in the touchback category.

For Shayne Graham, he will look to resurrect his career after spending the last 7 seasons in Cincinnati. He suited up for 1 game this season with the New York Giants, but he did not attempt a field goal in that game. Graham is familiar with Heinz Field from his time with the Bengals -- they played at Heinz once a season -- so the Patriots will hope that his experience can help him step in nicely come this Sunday night in Pittsburgh. Welcome to New England... no pressure.