Patriots release veteran offensive lineman from injured reserve

New England Patriots veteran offensive tackle Calvin Anderson was released from injured reserve.

The team confirmed the news on Friday.

There was hope that Anderson could serve as a depth option or a possible starter for the Patriots along the offensive front. It has been a revolving door for the team at the tackle positions throughout training camp, and it always felt like an open competition.

Anderson had a near-fatal bout with malaria last year while doing philanthropic work in Nigeria. He then suffered a heart contusion in a practice session that ended in him going on injured reserve.

The 28-year-old offensive tackle was hoping this year would be different.

The injury release gives Anderson an opportunity to sign with another team when he’s ready to play.

Meanwhile, the Patriots will continue trying to solve their ongoing issues at tackle. Vederian Lowe, who has worked in at left tackle, has been banged up, and the team has been working Mike Onwenu in at right tackle and right guard.

It’s a mix-and-match session that hopefully leads to the team settling on something that works.