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Shaun Ellis: 'It's been a little difficult'

Print | Comments () Posted by Julian Benbow, Globe Staff December 29, 2011 01:29 PM

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By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

FOXBOROUGH -- This season will likely end as the least productive of Shaun Ellis' career 12-year a career. He went from starting the first six games of the season and partly through injury and partly through ineffectiveness that role was eventually reduced. His sack last week against the Dolphins was his first of the season. He's recorded just 14 tackles.

He said his first season in New England has been a trying one, but he's still trying to play his role on defense.

"It's been challenging," Ellis said. "It's been a little difficult, but just hanging in there, just trying to lend my hand when I can. When my number is called, I just go out there and play. In the end, I'm a pro. So I just go about my business as usual. Once that time comes, I'm ready for it."

Ellis had offseason hip surgery before signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Patriots last summer.