FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – New England Patriots offensive lineman Damien Woody was placed on injured reserve Saturday because of a knee injury and will miss the AFC championship game Sunday.

Woody was replaced on the roster by receiver J.J. Stokes, spokesman Stacey James said.

Woody tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on the first play in New England’s 17-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans last week, but still played intermittently.

Coach Bill Belichick would not elaborate on the nature of the injury earlier this week, but The Boston Globe reported that Woody had a partial ligament tear that will not require surgery.

Russ Hochstein, who started one game this season at left guard but played in 14 games in all, will probably start.

in Woody’s place against Indianapolis.

AP-ES-01-17-04 1834EST