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Dan Connolly should be OK

Print | Comments () Posted by Greg A. Bedard September 9, 2012 04:59 PM

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By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

NASHVILLE - Patriots right guard Dan Connolly wobbled off the field with a head injury late in the third quarter and did not return to the Patriots' season-opening win over the Titans.

For a player who missed two games in 2010 with a concussion, that was a little alarming. But Connolly shouldn't miss any additional time.

Connolly had his bell rung and was a little dazed, but he passed all the concussion tests, according to a league source. The Patriots could decide to take things slow with Connolly, but the good news is he won't miss extended time.

A long-term injury to Connolly could have forced the Patriots, who are already without last season's right guard, Brian Waters, to scramble. Donald Thomas is a capable fill-in, but the team currently only has one other healthy lineman (right tackle Marcus Cannon). Nick McDonald has been battling a shoulder injury. He didn't practice on Wednesday, but was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday.