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Patriots Place CB Ras-I Dowling On Injured Reserve

BOSTON (CBS) - The 2012 NFL season is over for Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling.

The team placed Dowling on the injured reserve with a thigh injury on Friday, ending his second NFL season the same way his first ended.

Read: Hernandez, Chung Out For Patriots vs. Rams

The move opens a roster spot for New England, but leaves them shorthanded in their already questionable secondary for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams in London. With safeties Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory already ruled out, the Patriots now have Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Sterling Moore, Marquice Cole and rookies Alfonzo Dennard, and Nate Ebner in their defensive backfield.

In his two NFL seasons, Dowling has just eight games under his belt due to injuries. He played in six games this season, recording seven tackles. The 24-year-old  started the first two games of his career last season before landing on the IR on October 29 with a hip injury.

The Patriots selected Dowling in the second round draft of the 2011 NFL Draft, 33rd overall.

Tale of the Tape: Patriots-Rams

Tune in to the Patriots-Rams game Sunday afternoon at 1pm on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pregame coverage beings at 10am on the Hub with Patriots Preview, with three hours of post game coverage following the game. WBZ-TV kicks off their coverage at 11:30am with a special edition of  Patriots All Access, and full post game coverage with Patriots 5th Quarter.

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