The Patriots announced over the weekend that running back Dion Lewis and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer could both miss extended time to start the season because of lingering injuries.

Lewis had a clean up down on his knee and could start the season on the PUP list. Vollmer’s injury could be much more significant. 

Vollmer is dealing with a nagging hip injury that could either land him on the PUP list or IR for the year. Right now, it appears Vollmer is headed to the I.R and he would be done for the season.

If that’s the case, that’s a huge blow for the Patriots. Vollmer is a terrific run blocker and a locker room leader. The 32 year old veteran is one of the most respected players on the team.

If Vollmer is done for the season, the Patriots would turn to Marcus Cannon and Cameron Fleming to fill the void. Cannon has played well thus far this pre season but he’s wildly inconsistent. 

Patriots fans sometimes take Vollmer for granted but you can’t do that with players of his caliber. Vollmer is a good player and his absence will leave a huge void to fill along the Patriots offensive line. Without him, the Patriots could be in big trouble.