Sebastian

Vollmer

Rookie Nate Solder held up extraordinarily well against Cameron Wake last week, and will be a full-time player sooner rather than later. Vollmer is still ultimately the Pats’ best option at right tackle. He should start this week.

This will be Vollmer’s second straight absence, and third in four games. HC Bill Belichick hinted Friday he may be able to return in Week 5 against the Jets. With first-round pick Nate Solder holding up well in Vollmer’s absence, there is no reason for the Patriots to rush him back.

Vollmer had been out since late November while Mankins went down in Week 16. Their return is welcome news for the ground attack, as Vollmer can push Nate Solder into the blocking tight end role.

“He’ll play in this game at some point, whether we have Nate (Solder) outside or him at tackle,” Scarnecchia said. A second team All-Pro in 2010, Vollmer was limited to just six games this season. Sidelined since Week 12, it’s likely Vollmer will serve in a swing role.

Both are listed as questionable. Mayo sprained his MCL against the Raiders on October 2 and missed the last two games. Vollmer has been inactive for five of the Patriots’ last six contests with a back injury. Josh Barrett (thumb) did not travel with the team and has been downgraded to “out.”

The fact that Solder is just now being added to the injury report obviously suggests he suffered the injury in practice on Friday. Despite his questionable tag, his chances of taking the field against the Jets are extremely low. Sebastian Vollmer was already in line to make his second straight start at right tackle, so the injury is not a huge blow for the Pats offense.

Vollmer suffered an ankle injury in last Sunday’s game against the Eagles and remains ''week-to-week.’' Other Patriots inactives: LB Brandon Spikes, QB Ryan Mallett, RB Shane Vereen, OL Dan Connolly, LB Dane Fletcher, and SS Patrick Chung.

Vollmer has been sidelined since Week 11, and is unlikely to return before the postseason. First-round pick Nate Solder has been filling in at right tackle. Solder has struggled in pass protection, but has graded out as an above-average run blocker by Pro Football Focus.

Vollmer last played in Week 12, but almost suited up for the AFC Championship Game, and should be ready to go against the Giants. With rookie Nate Solder playing well at right tackle in Vollmer’s absence, Vollmer will likely serve in a swing role against the G-Men.

First-round pick Nate Solder is now in at right tackle. Vollmer went down late in the first half, and was absent for New England’s opening drive of the second. His day is likely through.