Trent Brown's practice absent reportedly excused

FOXBORO – Those worried about Tom Brady’s blindside can breathe a little easier.

Trent Brown was absent from Tuesday’s Patriots practice, but according to ESPN, it was an excused absence. The projected starting left tackle also missed the Patriots first practice of the week on Sunday. Brown is expected to be back on the practice field by Wednesday and in the starting lineup come Sunday’s week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans and their talented defensive [...]

FOXBORO – Those worried about Tom Brady’s blindside can breathe a little easier.

Trent Brown was absent from Tuesday’s Patriots practice, but according to ESPN, it was an excused absence. The projected starting left tackle also missed the Patriots first practice of the week on Sunday. Brown is expected to be back on the practice field by Wednesday and in the starting lineup come Sunday’s week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans and their talented defensive line.

The news is a sigh of a relief for Patriots fans. Brown is set to take over from Nate Solder, who signed with the New York Giants this offseason. The massive 6-foot-8, 380-pound tackle had a solid summer and was one of the Patriots training camp standouts.

With Marcus Cannon practicing, the Patriots offensive line could be in good standing this weekend, but the Patriots still added more reinforcements on Tuesday. The team re-signed offensive lineman Brian Schwenke, who was released on cut-down day. He becomes the Patriots third backup offensive lineman with Ted Karras and LaAdrian Waddle.

The Pats subsequently released wide receiver Amara Darboh, who they claimed after the 2017 third-round pick was released by Seattle. According to the NFL Network, Darboh was scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. He dealt with a clavicle and hip injury this offseason.