Patriots Activate 6-Foot-7 All-Conference OL Amid Injury Woes

F1 São Paulo GP 2026 – Practice 1

Story by

Story by
Patriots Activate 6-Foot-7 All-Conference OL Amid Injury Woes

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - DECEMBER 17: Offensive lineman Marcus Bryant #52 of the SMU Mustangs stands on the field before a play in the first half of the New Mexico Bowl game between the Mustangs and the Brigham Young Cougars at University Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) Getty

Duncan Day · HEAVY

Wed, November 4, 2026 at 12:36 AM UTC ·

4 min read

About Our Ads

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers interacts with Marcus Bryant #52 of the New England Patriots in the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) Getty

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 04: Morgan Moses #76 of the New England Patriots looks on during warmups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) Getty

The New England Patriots are getting reinforcements on their offensive line ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant has been activated to the 53-man roster after spending the first eight weeks of the season on injured reserve.

ESPN's Mike Reiss reported the transaction on Tuesday, Nov. 3, noting that New England already had an open roster spot.

"OT Marcus Bryant has been activated to the 53-man roster from IR. Patriots had an open spot," Reiss wrote.

The move marks a significant step for Bryant, who suffered an ankle injury during the preseason and has yet to make his regular-season debut in 2026.

His return also provides additional protection for quarterback Drake Maye as New England looks to build on its 5-3 start.

Patriots Bring Back Marcus Bryant After Lengthy Absence

New England Patriots v Tampa Bay Buccaneers — GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers interacts with Marcus Bryant #52 of the New England Patriots in the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Bryant, a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft, has been working toward a return since suffering an ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 22.

The 24-year-old was injured during New England's opening offensive possession and needed assistance leaving the field.

The Patriots subsequently placed him on injured reserve with a designation to return when finalizing their initial 53-man roster.

His 21-day practice window opened Oct. 14, giving New England until Nov. 4 to decide whether to activate him or leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

Bryant had been making progress toward a return, including participating fully in practices ahead of the Patriots' Nov. 1 victory over the Miami Dolphins .

However, New England ultimately declined to activate him for that contest, keeping him sidelined for another week.

The Patriots' decision Tuesday resolves that roster question and makes Bryant eligible to return to game action.

The 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman appeared in 12 regular-season games as a rookie in 2025, primarily contributing on special teams.

According to the Patriots' official biography , Bryant also received limited opportunities at right tackle, including appearances against the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals .

He did not make a start during his rookie campaign.

Bryant previously played at SMU and Missouri, making 42 starts across 55 collegiate appearances before entering the NFL.

Marcus Bryant Gives Patriots Help at Offensive Tackle

New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills — GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: Morgan Moses #76 of the New England Patriots looks on during warmups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Bryant's activation gives head coach Mike Vrabel additional flexibility along an offensive line that has dealt with multiple injuries this season.

Starting left tackle Will Campbell and right tackle Morgan Moses have both battled injuries, while guard Alijah Vera-Tucker landed on injured reserve in October with a hamstring issue.

Bryant could provide insurance behind Campbell and Moses, although first-round rookie Caleb Lomu has also received opportunities at tackle.

During training camp, Bryant appeared to be establishing himself as a primary backup to Campbell.

Reiss reported in August that Bryant would receive the "first call" at left tackle if Campbell couldn't play, indicating the coaching staff's confidence in the second-year lineman.

Bryant's activation does not guarantee that he will see the field immediately, but it gives New England another healthy option heading into the second half of the season.

The Patriots also confirmed Bryant's activation Tuesday, along with the release of cornerback Kindle Vildor .

New England will host the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 8, when Bryant could make his first appearance of the season.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Patriots Activate 6-Foot-7 All-Conference OL Amid Injury Woes appeared first on HEAVY .

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: