Patriots place rookie TE Watson on injured reserve

FOXBORO, Massachusetts - The New England Patriots on Wednesday placed rookie tight end Ben Watson, their first-round pick in April's draft, on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Selected 32nd overall, Watson was the last first-round pick to sign when he inked a six-year contract on August 16.

Watson started in the Patriots' season-opening 27-24 victory over Indianapolis, catching two passes for 16 yards. He was inactive in Week Two against Arizona and New England had its bye last week.

Last season at Georgia, Watson was plagued by ankle injuries and had just 23 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

To fill Watson's roster spot, the Patriots signed veteran tight end Jed Weaver, who has 80 catches for 997 yards and six touchdowns in five seasons. He had 35 receptions for 437 yards and a touchdown while playing in all 16 games for San Francisco last season.

Weaver also has played for Philadelphia and Miami in his career.

On Sunday, the Patriots (2-0) will attempt to tie the NFL record of 18 straight wins when they visit Buffalo.