New England Patriots missing Sebastian Vollmer, Matthew Slater today

New England Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots star right tackle Sebastian Vollmer left Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a foot sprain, and he is currently listed day-to-day. Vollmer’s injury isn’t deemed serious, but it is possible for him to miss this week’s huge game against the Atlanta Falcons. While I don’t anticipate his absence, he will almost certainly be listed questionable on the injury report and could be a game-time decision. Backup right tackle Marcus Cannon isn’t nearly as good as Vollmer, who is arguably the best right tackle in the game, but he’s a more than serviceable backup who can be counted on as a spot-starter.

According to ESPN Boston’s Field Yates, both Sebastian Vollmer and special teams captain Matthew Slater were not at practice once again. Slater missed last week’s game against the Buccaneers, and his absence robs the Patriots of the best special teams coverage player in the entire league.

On the bright side, Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski were back on the practice field again, and it looks like Gronkowski will make his 2013 season debut against Atlanta. Amendola has a shot at playing against the Falcons, but I wouldn’t count on seeing the star slot receiver on Sunday, even if he is ahead of schedule.

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