The season is officially over for New England Patriots veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff.
Wednesday was the deadline for Reiff to be activated from injured reserve, but coach Bill Belichick informed the media that the team wasn’t going to activate the offensive lineman.
Reiff, who only appeared in one game for the team, couldn’t overcome injuries to get onto the field. He was expected to have a significant role in the Patriots’ offensive plans in 2023, when the team signed him for a one-year deal with $4.5 million guaranteed.
It ended up being a great deal for the 35-year-old Reiff, but not so much for the Patriots, who have struggled throughout the season in pass protection up front. Guard Mike Onwenu has kicked outside to right tackle, while a banged-up Trent Brown is rotating at left with Conor McDermott.
Bill Belichick says OL Riley Reiff won't be added to the 53-man roster, and will revert to injured reserve. Belichick says 3 setbacks ultimately led to Reiff playing in just one game this season.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 6, 2023
The Patriots essentially rolled the dice on an aging lineman in Reiff and got burned in the end.
