Sebastian Vollmer "Making Progress," Could Play in Super Bowl XLVI

by Greg Knopping on Jan 30, 2012 7:35 PM EST in New England Patriots News

FOXBORO MA - DECEMBER 19: Sebastian Vollmer #76 of the New England Patriots celebrates as he runs off the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-27 at Gillette Stadium on December 19 2010 in Foxboro Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

One key player who the New England Patriots have been without for quite some time is offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer. This year, Vollmer has played in just six games (five starts) while nursing separate back and foot injuries.

Meeting with reporters this afternoon in Indianapolis, a light-hearted Bill Belichick was asked what the chances were that Vollmer could suit up and potentially start Sunday in Super Bowl XLVI for the Patriots.

Belichick was surprisingly open in his answer, saying that it was a "possibility" and continued, saying that "Sebastian has gotten a lot better here over the last few weeks. He came out of his cast or whatever is was before the Denver game. He practiced last week before the Baltimore game and I'd say it was close, but obviously wasn't ready to go and we didn't activate him."

Belichick expanded further, stating that "this week, he's further along than what he was before the Denver game. He practiced today so we'll see how the week goes and see how he holds up, but I think there is definitely a possibility. We'll just have to see how he tolerates the added work and if he does well, I think you'll see him. If not, then it will be where it was in Baltimore. I don't really know if we'll know that until we put him through the full week of practice but he's definitely making progress. So he's getting there."

The fact that Vollmer practiced, after being listed as questionable for the AFC Championship against the Ravens, is a positive sign. If Vollmer is capable of suiting up for the Patriots against the Giants, it would certainly provide a boost for the Patriots' offensive line against the vaunted New York pass rush. Vollmer could see success, in particular, against the powerful Justin Tuck, who typically lines up at left end for the Giants. Rookie Nate Solder will certainly see time, but a rotation could keep both fresh while also allowing Solder to contribute as a third tight end.

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Roster question

Are the same rules in effect for the Bowl as in the regular season and playoffs? In other words, if Vollmer is active, than would someone else have to sit? So who would that be?

by furiousd on Jan 30, 2012 7:53 PM EST reply actions

If Vollmer plays, I think either McDonald or Cannon is inactive

by Greg Knopping on Jan 30, 2012 8:10 PM EST up reply actions

At this point I don’t know why you’d want him out there. 6 weeks off and you’re going to make your comeback in the biggest possible game against the best set of pass-rushers you’ve faced in your entire career?

No thanks. Stick with Solder.

"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."

"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."

by JohnHannahRules on Jan 30, 2012 8:36 PM EST reply actions

I'd rather have Vollmer in and Solder is backup TE/T as needed

Of course, I’d also like to see a pass to Solder just to completely screw up the idea that him in the game represents a running down… well that and I’d like to see a DB get trucked by that monster.

by satsunada on Jan 30, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions

with Vollmer's layoff

It’s unlikely he’d come in and start over Solder. He’d likely come in and and swing Solder to TE, and then play the down between when Nate has to leave the field and when he can come back. That, or they have Nate motioning all day to throw off the giants pass rush.

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by Austin Martin on Jan 30, 2012 10:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Oh i know

I was just stating what I’d rather have.

by satsunada on Jan 30, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions

Or...

…they could have Solder in and Vollmer could take TE. He could have been practicing that role the past six weeks- and he was a TE in college for just as much time as Solder.

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by Richard Hill on Jan 31, 2012 12:24 AM EST up reply actions

Hmm off topic but this site has a fair amount of fairweather fans

, at any sign of struggle and some will start to claim the game is over when the 4Q hasnt even started yet, ie the Ravens. I only hope the Pats dont get down an/or Brady is having an off day as some may resort to saying bench him and put Mallet in like the last time they played the giants. Anyways hope Vollmer can give it a go

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.
Edward Abbey

by TONYBOI08 on Jan 30, 2012 11:34 PM EST reply actions