Patriots may play Logan Mankins at LT vs. Ravens

Injuries on the offensive line are always a concern for a team gearing up to make a playoff run, and the Patriots have a rather significant one at left tackle.

Starting left tackle Nate Solder went out of Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins with a head injury in the fourth quarter, and it’s unsure whether or not he’ll play this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course it’s the Patriot and Bill Belichick way to keep quiet on injuries, but if Solder is indeed out of the game, New England does have a backup plan.

As is the case with many great offensive linemen, guard Logan Mankins would just slide over to the all-important left tackle position for New England, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com:

"If starting left tackle Nate Solder is unable to play Sunday against theBaltimore Ravens, the contingency plan for the New England Patriots might be moving Logan Mankins (6-foot-4, 308 pounds) into that spot from left guard.That’s what the Patriots did in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Miami Dolphinsafter Solder left the game with a head injury."

Mankins is 6’4”, 308 pounds, so he has the size to play left tackle in the NFL. Also, it’s worth noting that he played left tackle in college, so he has the experience. If Mankins does move to left tackle this weekend, look for Josh Kline to take his spot at guard.