Patriots TE Williams To Be Placed On IR

New England Patriots tight end Michael Williams' season might be over before it ever really got started. 

The 25-year-old was primarily used as a blocker last season, though he did make three catches for 26 yards in 15 games with New England.

With All-Pro Rob Gronkowski and the newly acquired Martellus Bennett on the roster, Williams was slotted in as the third option on the depth chart and probably poised for a role as an extra blocker similar to last year.

While Williams is currently seeking a second opinion on the knee injury, according to Patriots reporter Mike Reiss, it appears the injury will cost him the 2016 campaign.

Williams' injury now opens the door for former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Clay Harbor, who was brought into the fold this offseason, to potentially develop a larger role on the roster. The team also has 2015 draft puck A.J. Derby, who spent all last season on IR, and two undafted rookies, Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams currently in camp.