FOXBORO, Mass. — One day after Patriots left tackle Matt Light was noncommittal about his football future, the 12-year veteran's heir apparent was equally coy about his role in 2012.
Tackle Nate Solder, New England's first-round pick in 2011, is expected to start on the left side in the upcoming season — and many more after that — due to the strong belief that Light will retire. Yet, Solder wouldn't shed any light on that situation Thursday.
"I don't know what my role is going to be," Solder said. "Right now, my mindset is to get better. There's a lot I have to improve on, and that's what I'm going to work on right now and improve on."
The night Solder was drafted, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said the Colorado product was strictly projected as a left tackle. However, right tackle Sebastian Vollmer suffered a string of injuries in 2011 that forced Solder into action. Solder said Light helped him in his transition to the pro game.
"Matt's been great," Solder said. "He helps me. He helps me to continue to develop. He knows a lot about the game. He has a ton of experience. It's been really good having him here."
That stint will end sooner than later for Light, and when that happens, Solder will be there to soothe the transition.
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