Marcus Cannon's 2017 season is over.
The all-star right tackle has been battling an ankle injury for weeks in hopes of returning to the field, but it looks like the Patriots are going to shut him down for the year. Tackle LaAdrian Waddle and tackle Cameron Fleming will be his replacement.
This is a big blow, as Cannon had morphed into a cornerstone of the line and one of the most reliable linemen the league. Hopefully Waddle is ready to return from his own injury and there won't be any more injures to a unit that has already surrendered far too many QB hits on a player who isn't getting any younger.
In addition to announcing Cannon to IR, the Patriots made the Kenny Britt signing official, as well as announced that defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois is back into the fold. In a series of back-end moves, the Patriots released Jonathan Freeny (Hallelujah) and WR/return man Bernard Reedy.
Patriots signed WR Kenny Britt and DL Ricky Jean Francois, released LB Jonathan Freeny and WR Bernard Reedy, and also placed OL Marcus Cannon on Injured Reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2017