New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes has admitted that he was "devastated" to miss out on the playoffs last season.

Spikes was placed on the injured reserve ahead of the AFC divisional round having struggled with a knee injury all season, although reports have claimed that the decision was also down to the fact that Spikes missed a team meeting.

The 26-year-old believes that the knee problem was the main reason behind being put on the injured reserve, but hinted that he was unhappy with head coach Bill Belichick's decision.

"I think that was a coach's decision, and I'm just an employee, you know, what Adam Sandler said, 'Just go with it,'" Spikes told NFL AM.

"I had no choice, but I think, you know, they put me on IR because of my injury. I was definitely devastated to not be able to compete. You know, you fight all season to get to the playoffs and it really hurt me not to be out there with my teammates."

Spikes also admitted that both he and the team could benefit from parting company during the off-season.