One of the major flaws of the 2015 New England Patriots was the team’s offensive line play. Be it because of inexperience, missing chemistry or bad injury luck, the team struggled to consistently give its quarterback enough time in the pocket and its runners enough room to operate.
The line has looked improved so far this preseason – and that is despite its projected starting right tackle, Sebastian Vollmer, not yet cleared for practice. Vollmer, who is dealing with injuries to his hip, shoulder and ankle, began training camp on the physically unable to perform list – a list he will not leave until the regular season is well under way.
According to Adam Schefter, the Patriots have officially moved Vollmer from active/PUP to reserve/PUP:
Patriots placed OT Sebastian Vollmer on reserve-PUP, per source. Theoretically can bring him back but more likely will not play this year.
Two weeks ago, it has been reported that Vollmer is headed to season-ending injured reserve because of his injuries. While this is still a possibility, the Patriots made the logical move to keep the veteran on PUP so they could potentially bring him back during the season. Per the rules, he is eligible to return to practice after six weeks.
However, as Schefter noted, this will likely not happen. Instead, the Patriots will turn to Marcus Cannon to replace the 32-year old as the starting right tackle. Cannon has played well this preseason. Cannon bouncing back from an up-and-down 2015 season could soften the blow of losing Vollmer, who is entering free agency after this season and might have played his last down as a member of the Patriots.
Best of luck to New England’s long-time starting right tackle, as he fights his way back from injuries!
With the move, the Patriots have reached the 75 player level.