Patriots Tackle Takes Control Of Crucial Roster Battle

Marcus Bryant used New England’s preseason tie with the Indianapolis Colts as a proving ground for a final offensive line spot. The Patriots tackle, listed at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, started at left tackle on Thursday and produced the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade among Patriots offensive players who logged at least 10 snaps: 79.6. He also posted team-leading marks of 85.6 in pass blocking and 73.0 as a run blocker. Patriots.com analyst Evan Lazar credited Bryant with a clean performance across 23 pass-blocking snaps, including a key backside reach block on a 6-yard cutback run. New England’s offense struggled overall to total 83 rushing yards on 32 attempts, but Bryant’s reps included solid protection—New England allowed two sacks, neither charged to him. Coaches now must assess whether he can repeat that level throughout the preseason, with other tackles like Will Campbell, Morgan Moses and Caleb Lomu shaping the competition.