Rex Burkhead and Bentley placed on injured reserve

Running back Rex Burkhead and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley have been placed on injured reserve by the New England Patriots, adding to the growing number of Patriots on the list.

The team announced the moves on Wednesday as well as the signing of free agent linebacker/defensive end John Simon, who entered the NFL in 2013 and most recently played for Indianapolis.

Burkhead suffered a concussion in Week 1 against Houston, then left Sunday's game against Detroit with a neck injury.

He had seen limited action in the game but was on special teams in the third quarter when he collided with Lions safety Charles Washington. In three games this season, he has gained 86 yards on 24 carries and had three catches for 31 yards.

With the loss of Burkhead, first-round draft selection Sony Michel will become New England's top running back, with James White and the newly signed Kenjon Barner providing depth at the position.

Bentley, a fifth-round draft pick this year from Purdue, quickly had emerged as a leader on the defense. His 13 tackles are tied for fifth place on the team. He has played more than half of the team's defensive snaps and has contributed on special teams.

Specifics of his injury are not known, but he left the game Sunday with 4:52 left in the fourth quarter. He apparently was injured as he was preparing to tackle running back Kerryon Johnson and Lions guard T.J. Lang landed on him.

Third-year player Elandon Roberts now is expected to assume a larger role on defense.

Burkhead and Bentley will be eligible to return in eight weeks.

Bentley becomes the sixth member of New England's nine-player 2018 draft class to be placed on the injured reserve list.

Isaiah Wynn, Duke Dawson, Christian Sam, Braxton Berrios, and Ryan Izzo all are on IR. Quarterback Danny Etling is on the practice squad.

Among the 2018 class, only Michel and Keion Crossen are on the active roster.