Marcus Cannon, who replaced Solder, is the most likely choice to step up now.
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The Patriots have received very bad news on Nate Solder.
Now, it appears the Patriots will realize a few of the value of the two-year, $9 million extension that Cannon signed last season.
McBride reports surgery will take place shortly.
Sebastian Vollmer and Marcus Cannon are the only other tackles on the active roster, so the Patriots should be expected to promote 2014 fourth-round draft pick Cameron Fleming from the practice squad. Tight end Michael Williams began his career as a tackle with the Detroit Lions and presumably could move back there now that Solder is out.
Finally, expect New England to put an even greater emphasis on having the quarterback Tom Brady get the ball out as fast as possible to try and nullify the opposing pass rush.
Losing Solder is certainly a blow to the Patriots’ offensive line, which allowed QB Tom Brady to be sacked five times in the first half of Week 5’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.
“Yeah, that was a call they made and we’re just going to roll forward and see what happens, ” the 6-foot-7-inch, 325-pound Solder said before leaving the locker room with an ice pack on his arm.
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Regardless, the Patriots’ offensive line has faced several challenges over the last year-plus when it comes to finding the right personnel, and the loss of Solder will be another daunting task for the group to deal with.
