Tarell Brown

The Patriots are placing CB Tarell Brown on Injured Reserve according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Fantasy Impact

This news definitely weakens the Patriots defense in the secondary as Tarell Brown was the starting cornerback opposite Malcolm Butler. The team does not have depth at that position which could make them vulnerable against a potentially dangerous Colts offense on Sunday. This could mean big days for secondary Colt receivers like Donte Moncrief and Andre Johnson.

Tarell Brown missed practice on Friday for the second day in a row, due to a foot injury, ESPN.com reports. Brown injured his foot in Week 2's victory over the Bills, only playing 53 of 72. He then sat out Week 3's match-up with the Jaguars. He returned to the field last Sunday but was again limited, only playing 45 of 72 snaps.

Fantasy Impact

This has to be a concern for the New England Patriots going into Indianapolis to play the high powered Colts offense. Tarell Brown is the second corner back on the depth chart behind Malcolm Butler and will be needed against the deep wide receiver corp of the Colts.

Tarell Brown made an impressive surge during the past week to seize control of the No. 2 cornerback job, and it’s his to lose after Darryl Roberts’ troublesome wrist injury and Logan Ryan’s recent struggles. Brown signed late this summer because he was waiting to recover from offseason foot surgery, and he missed the preseason opener against the Packers due to a minor ailment earlier that week. Since then, he’s been really solid.

Fantasy Impact

It looks like Malcolm Butler has won one of the starting cornerback jobs for the Patriots this season. And Tarell Brown is the current favorite to win the other cornerback position. Brown is a savvy veteran who last played for the Raiders and could be an IDP sleeper who gets his share of passes defended along with a few picks.

Tarell Brown is clearly the No. 2 CB for the Patriots after this week according to Jeff Howe on Twitter. Brown had two INTs Monday and two end-zone PBUs on Wednesday. Drew Brees was 0 of 3 targeting Brown this week during joint practices between Saints and Patriots.

Fantasy Impact

It looks like Malcolm Butler has the number one corner back job won with his play so far in preseason and it looks like Tarrell Brown could be in line for the number two job. It does not look Brown will be an impact player on IDP but could be a sleeper pick for passes defended and turnover potential.

On Thursday, the New England Patriots and Tarell Brown have agreed to terms on a deal.

Fantasy Impact

Brown has intercepted 11 passes over his eight-year career. After losing Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard this offseason, Brown is a much-needed addition to this much weaker Patriots secondary. The 30-year-old was with the Raiders last season after a stint starting for the 49ers.