Once expected to start in place of guard Logan Mankins this year, Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur will wind up missing the entire 2010 season.
The team placed Kaczur on injured reserve Tuesday. He had been trying to recover from a back injury suffered early in training camp. Kaczur started 42 games between 2007-2009 as a swing tackle, usually playing on the right side.
Kaczur’s roster spot went to Deion Branch, who joined the Patriots for practice Tuesday. Branch was wearing No. 84. (Wes Welker has Branch’s old No. 83.) The Patriots sent the Seahawks a fourth-round pick for Branch. The Patriots have two picks in the round -- their own and Denver’s. Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times reported Monday that the Seahawks will receive whichever pick winds up higher.
The Patriots have a surplus of 2010 draft picks, but it’s a nice deal for the Seahawks considering Branch’s salary and lack of production. Branch’s role in New England is unclear, but we’d imagine he’ll play less initially than Brandon Tate.