What does a potential return for OT Tony Garcia mean for the Patriots?

Offensive tackle Tony Garcia announced Tuesday on Instagram that he had been “cleared to play again” after sitting out all last year, reportedly because of blood clots in his lungs.

So what does this mean for the Patriots' offensive line?


Garcia, who was taken with the 85th pick overall in last year’s draft, was projected to be one of the top backups along New England’s offensive line in 2017 before he got sick. At 6-foot-6 and 291 pounds (before his health issues), he got off to a strong start in the spring, and certainly appeared capable as being a candidate to step in for Nate Solder if the veteran left tackle departed following the 2017 season. But he spent his rookie season on the non-football illness list, setting his professional development back a year.

Now, his presence will certainly be important for a team looking to build some depth at the position following the departure of Solder, while backup swing tackles Cam Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle continue to test the free-agent waters. Garcia is part of a conversation that includes newcomer Matt Tobin, as well as youngsters Andrew Jelks and Cole Croston. Just having Garcia back on the field is a step in the right direction for the franchise.

At the same time, it’s important to pump the brakes a bit when it comes to the overall expectations. Garcia reportedly lost 40 pounds last year, and while he flashed in the early going (but looked like he could use a redshirt season to build the strength needed to play in the NFL), the fact is that he’s going to need some time to get back up to speed. While some of it depends on what Waddle and Fleming end up doing, chances remain good the Patriots will still look at offensive tackle as a priority when it comes to the draft next month.