Patriots place Graham on IR

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - The New England Patriots have placed rookie tight end Daniel Graham on injured reserve because of injured ribs.

The Patriots, who played last Sunday's game against the New York Jets under the roster limit, also signed three more players to reach the roster maximum of 53.

Graham was hurt during last Sunday's game against the Jets. The first-round pick out of Colorado finished his first NFL season with 15 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown.

One of the three players New England signed was veteran tight end Fred Baxter, who was waived by the Chicago Bears on November 12. Baxter, who has also played for the Jets, started the first three games this season for the Bears before injuring his ankle. He had five catches for 51 yards before his release.

The Patriots also signed wide receiver Fred Coleman, one of their final cuts in training camp this past summer, and offensive lineman Matt Knutson.

The defending Super Bowl champs are 8-7 and need a victory over visiting Miami on Sunday, plus a loss by the Jets against Green Bay, to capture the AFC East title.

12/24 16:23:47 ET