The Patriots have received very bad news on Nate Solder.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that Solder, New England's starting left tackle, has a torn right biceps injury that will cost him the rest of the 2015 season, according to a source briefed on the situation. The team placed him on injured reserve Wednesday.
Jim McBride of The Boston Globe had the first report.
It's a significant setback for the undefeated Patriots, who will now have to find a new blindside protector for Tom Brady in the middle of the season. Marcus Cannon is the team's top reserve tackle and might be the most logical replacement.
Brady's supreme ability to get the ball out quickly should help the Patriots make up for Solder's absence.
Solder wasn't enjoying an exceptional season (grading out 42nd among 76 offensive tackles, according to ProFootballFocus.com), but he's been a steady, durable presence along New England's line since being selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.