Marcus Cannon's (concussion) availability will be key vs Khalil Mack and the Bears

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FOXBORO -- Marcus Cannon was not spotted at Wednesday's walkthrough on the fields behind Gillette Stadium. He's dealing with a concussion that forced him from Sunday night's game with the Chiefs.

Like any player dealing with a head injury, Cannon will have to progress through the league's five-step concussion protocol before he's allowed to participate in Sunday's game with the Bears.

That's crucial because Marcus Cannon is the team's starting right tackle and one of their best linemen when at his best. It might be
especially crucial in Chicago where arguably the best pass-rusher in the league makes his living beating up on right tackles.

Mack has rushed from the defensive left on 79.7 percent of his pass-rush snaps in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus. He's racked up 21 total pressures from that side, including four sacks. From the right, he's recorded four pressures, with one sack.

If Cannon can't play, that'd leave the Patriots right tackle duties to LaAdrian Waddle who is no stranger to working against Mack. The two squared off in Week 11 of last season, down in Mexico City, and Waddle played 53 snaps before leaving with an injury. He allowed two hits and a hurry before giving way to Cameron Fleming, who allowed Mack a sack.

Waddle played 28 snaps against the Chiefs -- his most since playing 29 in Week 1 -- and allowed two quarterback hurries.

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