Marcus Cannon Ruled Out for Week 5 Against Browns

Right tackle Marcus Cannon has been declared inactive for the Patriots in their Week 5 contests against the Cleveland Browns.

Entrenched as an offensive line starter this season, Cannon was a surprise addition to Friday’s injury report with a calf issue. Third-year man Cameron Fleming will step in to fill the gap in Cannon’s absence.

The Patriots released guard Jonathan Cooper on Saturday, which could leave the team a little thin on the offensive line, now that is Cannon out for today’s game. It is possible that left guard Joe Thuney could be shuffled around to play in Cannon’s spot should injuries force an emergency situation with the line. New England scouts originally thought Thuney had potential as a tackle when they selected him in the 2016 draft.

With Week 5 marking the return of Tom Brady at quarterback, late changes at the tackle position will be something to monitor throughout the game should the line have trouble keeping a clean pocket for Brady.  New England has allowed 7 sacks through four games with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett under center, but neither of those quarterbacks has the experience and savvy of Brady, who has shown a knack for moving in the pocket to avoid pressure throughout his career.

If Cannon misses significant action this year, it will be up to Fleming to keep Brady clean in the pocket. That test starts today against a Cleveland defense that has sacked the quarterback six times in 2016, with one quarterback hurry.

The other notable inactive is Brandon Bolden–an important members of New England’s special teams. Bolden injured his knee in Week 4 against the Bills. The injury isn’t though to be season-ending, but there is currently no timetable for his return.

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