Patriots lose Sebastian Vollmer, Shaq Mason to injury
Injuries are always a key factor in the lead-up to the NFL season, and they can range from all-too-familiar (Dion Lewis needing another knee surgery) to peculiar (Tom Brady cutting his thumb).
The Patriots received bad news Sunday on that front, learning that key offensive linemen Shaq Mason and Sebastian Vollmer will miss significant time with injuries.
Mason missed Thursday’s preseason game against the Bears with what the Boston Globe is reporting is a broken hand. He’s not expected to miss the whole season, but it’s certainly a blow to the Patriots run game to lose a promising young run blocker who had been getting first team reps (not to mention the loss of their number one running back).
Vollmer’s injury falls into the all-too-familiar category: he dealt with ankle injuries in 2015, and suffered a broken bone in his right leg in 2013. He had yet to practice this year, but by undergoing shoulder surgery he will now spend significant time on the IR.
BREAKING: #Patriots OT Sebastian Vollmer, who has been on PUP with an undisclosed injury, is likely headed to IR, per league source.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) August 21, 2016
The injuries mean more playing time and attention for Marcus Cannon, Josh Kline, and rookie Joe Thuney. Things won’t get any easier for Jimmy Garoppolo, either, as the run game will most likely suffer during his four-game starting period.
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