Report: Patriots place Malcolm Mitchell on IR

The New England Patriots have reportedly made a roster move just hours before they open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs, as a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that the club has placed Malcolm Mitchell on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Mitchell emerged as a solid target for Tom Brady last season, catching 32 balls for 401 yards and four touchdowns. He missed a significant amount of time in the preseason due to the injury and was listed as questionable on the injury report for the game.

With Mitchell being placed on injured reserve, he is out for at least the first eight weeks of the season and will join fellow receiver Julian Edelman, who is out for the year, on the sidelines.

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Mitchell's knee issues led to the club's decision to acquire Phillip Dorsett from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week.

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