Injuries and uncertainty has pushed Gallery into a bigger role than expected.
New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs with the ball following the blocking of offensive lineman Robert Gallery (72) during practice on the second day of training camp at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Friday, July 27, 2012.
FOXBOROUGH – The New England Patriots may need Robert Gallery to be more than just a stopgap.
When Gallery signed as a free agent this summer, initial projections had him possibly hooking on in a reserve role. But with injuries to guard Logan Mankins (knee) and Sebastian Vollmer (back), along with the uncertainty surrounding guard Brian Waters’ future, the 32-year-old may end up being much more.
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 draft has served as the starting right guard during the last two practices, and it’s possible that he could win a job there if question marks linger across the line. Right now, though, that isn’t part of his thought process.
“It doesn’t really affect me at all,” Gallery said. “I come to work every day and work on what I have to do to get better as a player, and all that stuff will play itself out.”
Gallery joined New England this offseason after spending his first seven seasons in Oakland and last year with the Seattle Seahawks. He began his career as a tackle before eventually shifting to guard.
“I’m excited to be here and be here with this team,” he said. “Just ready to get things rolling.”