Patriots add offensive tackle depth, reportedly sign free agent Marshall Newhouse

Not all was perfect for the New England Patriots during Sunday’s blowout win against the Pittsburgh Steelers: in the fourth quarter, starting right tackle Marcus Cannon had to leave the game with what was later announced to be a shoulder injury. While the issue is reportedly neither season-ending nor a long-term concern, the veteran could still miss at least some time before returning to his usual spot along the offensive line.

In order to bolster the depth at the position, the Patriots have therefore made a free agency acquisition today: as first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, New England has signed veteran offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse — a player that was already in town for a free agency workout earlier this week. Now, the 30-year-old will join the Patriots’ active roster as another option at offensive tackle alongside Cannon, Isaiah Wynn and Korey Cunningham.

With Cannon still nursing his shoulder injury, Newhouse could see action as early as Sunday against the Miami Dolphins or serve as a backup option behind the previous number three tackle, Cunningham (who was inactive against Pittsburgh, leading the Patriots to move left guard Joe Thuney to right tackle after Cannon’s departure). Whatever the team decides to do, bringing the nine-year veteran on board certainly is a smart move.