Rodney Harrison's Season Is Over

Following last night's win over the Denver Broncos, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was quoted as saying, "it doesn't look too good," in regards to injured safety Rodney Harrison, who was carted off the field during the fourth quarter. He was right.

Adam Schefter is reporting today that Harrison suffered a torn quad muscle in the win, and will be lost for the remainder of the season. Schefter speculates the injury could also be career-ending.

Harrison, who turns 36 in December and whose contract with the Patriots is up after this season, could well have played his last down Monday night. When he was carted off the field, Harrison waved to the fans at Gillette Stadium as if he knew he was saying goodbye. Many will root for Harrison to return, and it's always possible he could. But if he decides he wants to play, he will be attempting an improbable comeback. This is a tough injury to overcome for an aging safety.

It's a big blow to the Patriots defense, as the secondary has been an area of concern through the first seven weeks. Brandon Meriweather will likely take over the starting spot.

If this is the end for Harrison, he'll finish his career with 34 interceptions, 30.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and two touchdowns.

Harrison is the second Patriots player to be lost for the season this week, as running back Laurence Maroney was placed on injured reserve prior to Monday night's game with Denver.

Week 7 Injuries

Rodney Harrison
New England's safety could be done for the season - and possibly for his career - after he suffered a knee injury in Monday's night Patriots win.

Michael Dwyer, AP

Jay Cutler
The Broncos quarterback injured his throwing hand on the first snap from scrimmage Monday. He still played most of the game, but Denver's offense struggled. Cutler finished with just 176 yards, two interceptions and one meaningless touchdown.

Mary Schwalm, AP

Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush's injury woes strike again. The Saints running back/return man injured his knee bringing back a punt - the diagnosis is a torn meniscus, which will require arthroscopic surgery and cost Bush several weeks of action.

Paul Jasienski, Getty Images

Roy Williams
And, just like that, the Cowboys are down to one Roy Williams again. Roy Williams, the safety, broke his right forearm again in Dallas' loss on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season.

Jeff Roberson, AP

Ike Hilliard
The veteran Tampa Bay receiver was drilled by Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill and had to be carted off the field. He was kept overnight at a hospital for observation after suffering a concussion.

John Raoux, AP

Devin Hester
The Bears burner hurt his quad during Chicago's wild 48-41 victory over Minnesota. Hester returned the second half's opening kick, but did not drift back when the Vikings kicked off later in the third quarter.

Jeff Gross, Getty Images

Steven Jackson
What goes up, must come down. Jackson ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams upset of Dallas - but sustained a thigh injury late that will require an MRI.

Tom Gannam, AP

Jeremy Shockey
After his first game back from a groin injury, Shockey said he may have reaggravated the problem in Sunday's Saints loss.

Chuck Burton, AP

Brodie Croyle
Kansas City's miserable season goes from bad to worse when quarterback Brodie Croyle - in his first game back from a separated shoulder - limped off with a sprained knee. After the game, Chiefs coach Herm Edwards declared Croyle done for the season.

David Eulitt, The Kansas City Star / MCT

Keith Rivers
Cincinnati lost Rivers for the season during Sunday's game, when Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward peeled back and delivered a punishing block that broke Rivers' jaw. Watch Video of Big Hit

Andy Lyons, Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-21-2008 @ 12:44PM

Judy said...

I feel really bad about Rodney Harrison's injury, he is very vital to the Patriots, both on and off the field, and when he decides to retire, his jersey as well as Troy Brown's (my favorite Patriot of all time) jersey should be retired.

10-21-2008 @ 1:01PM

Eric said...

Surprised he didn't hurt it while taunting with a large lead....

Too bad I won't be able to see my team tear him up this year!

10-21-2008 @ 5:13PM

Laura said...

Why such a hater?? Something not right in your life? Try to grow up and get over yourself

10-21-2008 @ 1:14PM

bob said...

time for a young strong hard hitting safety to replace rodney, and an experienced quarterback that can move the offense. It is quite obvious that an experienced QB with experience and a good arm is desperately needed.......An experienced runnning back might help as well??

10-21-2008 @ 1:33PM

rosematt said...

One of the dirtiest players in the league. This comes as absolutely no surprise to me.

10-21-2008 @ 2:40PM

Dave said...

"Many will root for Harrison to return..."

And they, too, are douchebags.

It's almost a shame that Brian Billick wasn't there to blow a goodbye kiss at him.

10-21-2008 @ 3:39PM

milton thoroughgood III said...

Rodney is going to inject some HGH to the region and he'll be back in time for the regular season finale, in which he will make the game-winning interception that catapults NE's record to 6-10.

10-21-2008 @ 5:14PM

Rod said...

Dirty player. What goes around comes around. But it's too bad Jay Cutler did not run over him to knock his ass down.

10-21-2008 @ 5:45PM

Rick said...

Laura, who annointed you to determine when and if something is wrong in someone's life? Seems to me with Harrison's reputation a lot of people are glad to see him go down. That's their right and not for you to judge. Perhaps you have some growing up to do by not letting it bother you so much.

10-21-2008 @ 10:22PM

My life is fine, I just watched him taunt a few too many times while up by 30+ to even think about liking him. If theres anyone to feel bad for on that team it's Maroney. He's not a jerk, though he's not a particularly good player. Too bad the Pats fans were happy when he went down, didn't get much of a fair shake.

Laura, take the homer goggles off, and look at HGH Harrison like the rest of us do.

10-21-2008 @ 10:23PM

Kathy said...

You dont know what your talking about. Rodney Harrison will be missed and you are a complete moron and don't know crap about him . Pats fans were not happy and to say that he taunts is just jealousy. All teams do that when they score. Try Joey Porter and Terrel Owens They are the biggest idiots in football.

Yes, Porter, Owens, and the rest of the taunting clowns are all idiots. That being said, that doesn't make Mr. Harrison any less of an idiot. He'll be missed by people just like him, and only those people. He does in fact taunt, this isn't up to debate. I watched a few guys score this Sunday and celebrate, but their celebration was not aimed at the other team's misfortune. HGHarrison's fits of childish taunting always took away from anything that the Pats did correctly.

I'm the fan of another AFC franchise, and while talking about the Patriots I'll continue to go with the usual jokes about those who have been less than stand-up guys. You won't hear me mock Brady, any of the RBs, or any of the other guys that have killed my team gracefully. But Mr. Harrison, I don't feel bad for you.

10-22-2008 @ 10:36AM

NewYorkGirl said...

Aahhh!! Life couldn't be sweeter - first the Red Sux didn't make it to the World Series, and now the Patriots have yet another injury.

10-22-2008 @ 9:46PM

carl said...

Fist of all little lady, did the yankers even play this year? Secondly, I would be careful about showing pleasure as a result of a players injury......what goes around comes around and what has made you so happy is now destined to come your way. May the same good fortune fall on you!
Have a nice day!

10-22-2008 @ 9:40PM

dan said...

NewYorkGirl-speaking of the baseball playoffs, how about those two teams from New York?-Ohh that's right, neither one MADE the postseason. HAHAHA

10-23-2008 @ 9:56AM

K Smith said...

I'm a big Pats fan and I have some observations about the other people who commented:
Eric - Laurence Maroney was considered by many scouts as(potentially) the best running back in the draft 3 years ago. He's shown flashes of brilliance but he gets hurt way too often.
Bob - I agree that Brandon Merriweather can fill an aging Harrison's shoes. However, I think that Matt Cassel will develop just fine.
Harrison had lost a lot of his skills and speed the past couple of years. Unfortunately, David Tyree's catch came in the Super Bowl at his expense and cost the team another ring.
NewYorkGirl - Aww... It just isn't worth replying to a moron like you. Go and kiss your Derek Jeter poster.