The New England Patriots’ offensive line has taken a big hit.

Left tackle Nate Solder reportedly suffered a torn right biceps muscle in Sunday’s 30-6 victory at Dallas and will miss the rest of the season following surgery. He was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

The 6-foot-8, 325-pound Solder was selected in the first round of the 2011 draft out of Colorado. He has started 60 games for the Patriots, including 47 at left tackle, over the last three seasons.

Solder was not at practice Wednesday. After the game on Sunday, he spoke to the media and gave no indication he was injured.

Coach Bill Belichick did not mention Solder in his Wednesday morning press conference.

The Patriots likely will insert the versatile Marcus Cannon into the starting lineup on the offensive line, though it’s not clear where. Cannon, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, could take Solder’s spot at left tackle. Or the Patriots could move Sebastian Vollmer to left tackle and put Cannon at Vollmer’s right tackle slot. Cannon started six games at right tackle in 2013 after Vollmer was injured.

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Cannon, at 6-5 and 335 pounds, has proven to be a valuable contributor on the offensive line, playing at right tackle and both guard positions.

He has also served as an extra tight end at times.

Belichick spoke highly of Cannon in his press conference.

“Marcus has always played well for us,” he said. “Two years ago when he was in for Vollmer, last year the opportunities that he had early in the year, particularly at tackle, and then this year he’s played in every game, played a number of snaps in all of our games, so he’s always done a good job for us when he’s been in there. I’m glad we have him.”

The Patriots also have second-year tackle Cameron Fleming on their practice squad.


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