Pats Add O-Line Depth to Practice Squad

The New England Patriots dealt with a couple of tough blows to the offensive line last week as starting left tackle Nate Solder was placed on injured reserve early in the week and his eventual backup Marcus Cannon left Sunday night's win over the Indianapolis Colts with a toe injury.In an effort to add depth to the team, the Patriots announced that they signed offensive lineman Brennan Williams to the practice squad.

Williams will fill the spot that was vacated after the club promoted lineman Cameron Fleming, who spent time on the active roster last year and stepped in for Cannon on Sunday.

The former third round pick of the Houston Texans, in the 2013 NFL Draft, has yet to play in a regular season game after spending all of his first season on the injured reserve. He spent training camp this summer with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was released before final rosters were announced.

His 6-foot-6, 310 pound frame could eventually help add size similar to what Solder offered to the Patriots front line, if he is added to the active roster. For now Cannon's injury does not seem serious and Fleming did play well when utilized last year and this past week, so there's no telling if Williams will ever have the chance to make an impact on the active roster. Taking a flier on a former third rounder is not a bad move though, and one that could potentially pay dividends in the future.

Williams' father, Brent Williams, also played for New England from 1986 through 1993.