As the New England Patriots set their sights to Sunday's American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game, they have to move forward without linebacker Jerod Mayo who was placed on season-ending injured reserve (IR) because of a shoulder injury. 

According to ESPN, Mayo suffered the injury in the third quarter of last Saturday's Divisional Playoffs win over the Kansas City Chiefs. 

This season was a bounce back season for Mayo, who in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, only played a total of 12 games (six games per season). 

Completing the 2015 regular season, Mayo tallied 47 tackles and one sack in 16 games played, which saw him have the starting job eight times.

The loss of the 29-year-old is tough for the Pats since he is one of the team's captains and is a motivational leader for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Along with Mayo, New England is also facing injuries to linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins, who are also hurt and left the game versus the Chiefs, ESPN added in its report. 

But it seems like the injuries suffered by Hightower and Collins are unlike the one Mayo had, which was enough to end his season. 

According to a report by the Boston Herald, Hightower and Collins were with other injured players who were present at the Patriots' walkthrough to start their preparation against the Broncos this Sunday. 

The Boston Herald also listed the injuries suffered by Hightower and Collins in their win over Kansas City. 

According to the report, Hightower had a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, while Collins hurt his back. 

The injuries does not seem a major concern that will hinder the two from playing against Denver and stepping up in Mayo's absence. 

Since Mayo is out, Hightower and Collins are expected to show more intensity at the linebacker position to help New England's defense.