Rodney Harrison was carted off the field after being hurt in the third quarter of New England's win over Denver on Monday night. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots placed safety Rodney Harrison on injured reserve Wednesday, ending the 15-year veteran's season.

The move could also bring Harrison's career to a conclusion.

Harrison is in the final year of his contract with the Patriots, who will likely decide not to bring him back.

The 35-year-old suffered a torn right quadriceps muscle during New England's 41-7 home victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday night.

He was carted off the field after being hurt on the final play of the third quarter while chasing Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. Harrison waved to the New England crowd on his way out.

"It was difficult for all of us to watch Rodney be carted off like he did," Pats coach Bill Belichick said on Tuesday. "We hope that all goes well for him."

With files from the Canadian Press