Considering that starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer's status for Monday night's game is in question, Nate Solder could find himself playing a big role under the bright lights in Miami.
If Vollmer's back injury keeps him out of the Patriots season-opener, Solder would be the next man in at right tackle. That means Solder's first NFL game could be spent trying to block the Dolphins' sack specialist Cameron Wake, who had 14 sacks last season.
Solder said on Friday that he's ready for the challenge.
Im absolutely ready to go, Solder told reporters. Whatever situation Im put in, its because the coaches have confidence for me to be in there, and Im happy to be there.
It seemed as though Solder knew as much as the rest of the world when it came to Vollmer's injury. If the coaches had a conversation with him about playing a lot of right tackle in Vollmer's absence, he did a good job of keeping it quiet.
I dont know exactly whats going to go on with that, Solder said, Im going to play wherever I need to play.
Belichick was equally mum on the subject of Vollmer's status.
New England Patriots
However it is listed, thats what it is, Belichick said. Whatever he is able to do, well list him based on what he is able to do this week on the injury report on Saturday, I guess it is. As we have information, well give it to you.
Though he says he's ready, Solder knows that there's still work to do before Monday night.
I still think its just a process, Solder said. Weve been working on a lot of things this week, a lot of things are going in. Its just a building process for me. Im just one cog of this wheel, ya know?