Patriots placing top backup swing tackle on injured reserve

The New England Patriots are reportedly placing second-year offensive tackle Marcus Bryant on injured reserve, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss on Sunday.

Bryant shot up the depth chart as the Patriots ' projected top swing tackle in training camp. The former seventh-round draft pick out of Missouri had worked hard to carve out a real role on the roster.

But it was ultimately halted by the injury that he sustained in the Week 2 preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles .

NFL teams have two designated return spots when placing players on injured reserve. So Bryant could return after missing at least the first four games of the season. Bryant being out would now mean that rookie first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu would project as the Patriots' top backup swing tackle.

Lomu has played at both spots in training camp, but he has predominantly worked at right tackle behind veteran Morgan Moses. It has been an up-and-down summer for the former University of Utah standout, and now, he is one injury away from being thrown into the fire in his first NFL season.

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