Nick

Kaczur

His improving health from a shoulder injury helped New England move Brandon Gorin to the Cardinals. Kaczur will battle rookie Ryan O’Callaghan on New England’s young offensive line.

It’s probably for four years. The massive Toledo prospect had a solid summer and should be the team’s primary backup at right tackle as a rookie.

Kaczur has struggled to stay healthy in his first two years and the Pats are high on second-year OT Ryan O’Callaghan. There are reportedly “whispers” in Foxborough that the team is disappointed in Kaczur’s work ethic and focus.

Kaczur may face competition from Wesley Britt and Ryan O’Callaghan, but has the most experience. There was talk in May that Kaczur could be cut.

Ryan O’Callaghan may be the Pats’ strongest player according to Madden ’08, but Kaczur’s athleticism fits the team’s zone-blocking schemes better.

Five players were not present for the media-access portion of practice: CB Asante Samuel, CB Ellis Hobbs, RB Kyle Eckel, OT Nick Kaczur, and DE Ty Warren. All are expected to play next week.

Vollmer is probably too raw to be thrust into the first-team lineup right away, but O’Callaghan was breathing down Kaczur’s neck in 2007 before missing all of 2008 with a fluke injury. Kaczur, though, is coming off a solid season.

Kaczur was due to make $2.27 million in the final year of his contract. The team will likely turn its attention to NT Vince Wilfork, who has been angling for an extension all offseason. Kaczur, 30, has started 29 games over the last two seasons. He is in no danger of losing his job this year.