FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - The New England Patriots have placed defensive lineman Ron Brace on injured reserve with an elbow injury.

The two-year veteran was hurt in the next-to-last regular season game, a 34-3 victory at the Buffalo Bills, and did not play in Sunday's 38-7 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The move opens a roster spot that is expected to be filled by rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes, who was eligible to return Monday after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The Patriots also cut defensive lineman Lorenzo Washington from their practice squad.

New England has a bye before facing Kansas City, Baltimore or the New York Jets in the playoffs.

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