Harrison has broken scapula

Last October, Harrison -- before undergoing surgery on his left knee -- reflected on his 1999 scapula injury in a conference call with reporters.

"It was a pretty significant injury," Harrison said, explaining the injury as a hairline fracture. "Aside from this [knee] injury, that was probably the most painful, probably the most uncomfortable injury I've had. I remember I couldn't sleep at night, couldn't lay down. I had to constantly call doctors in San Diego at three o'clock in the morning to come over and give me pain medicine.

"It was probably the most painful injury that I've had, probably even including this one. I probably sat out 8-10 weeks or something like that. It was pretty devastating."

That year, the Chargers jumped out to a 4-1 start as Harrison led the team in tackles through five games. Following Harrison's injury, the Chargers lost their next six.

Harrison was playing at a high level this season, having been credited by Patriots coaches with 42 tackles (33 solo), two sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. In addition to providing a physical presence to the defense, the 13-year veteran also was a key cog in the communication between the defensive backs.

Harrison is the NFL's all-time leader in sacks by a defensive back (28 1/2) dating back to when sacks became an official statistic in 1982. He also has 32 career interceptions, making him the only player in NFL history to have more than 25 career sacks and at least 30 career interceptions. Harrison recently said one of his personal goals was to total 30 sacks to go with his 32 interceptions.

In Harrison's absence Sunday night, the Patriots moved veteran cornerback Chad Scott to safety alongside Artrell Hawkins, then inserted Ellis Hobbs at cornerback.