diff --git a/hw/net/e1000e_core.c b/hw/net/e1000e_core.c
index b4bf4ca2f169..8ae6fb7e1459 100644
--- a/hw/net/e1000e_core.c
+++ b/hw/net/e1000e_core.c
@@ -1285,7 +1285,6 @@ e1000e_write_lgcy_rx_descr(E1000ECore *core, uint8_t *desc,
                              &d->special);
     d->errors = (uint8_t) (le32_to_cpu(status_flags) >> 24);
     d->status = (uint8_t) le32_to_cpu(status_flags);
-    d->special = 0;
 }
 
 static inline void