Last year’s third-round draft pick and the #85 pick overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Antonio Garcia’s brief stint with the Patriots ends on a sour note today. The Patriots are releasing the 2nd year player from Troy with a failed non-football injury designation according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
After the Patriots moved up to draft him, he was widely viewed as the Left Tackle of the future behind Nate Solder. But his rookie season was cut short by an illness during training camp. It was later reported that Garcia suffered from blood clots in his lungs. The medication used to treat those caused him to lose a reported 45-50 pounds.
However, he was a frequent sight in the Patriots locker room during the season and just a short time ago took to his Instagram account and announced that he was cleared to resume his football career.
Confidence was high when he reported that he was back up to his college playing weight as well and with Solder gone in Free Agency, it was thought he’d be in the mix to be the Patriots starting left tackle in 2018.
Now it must be wondered if the Patriots knew before the draft that Garcia was having medical issues again. They used their top draft pick, #23 on Isaiah Wynn who can play either tackle or guard. Wynn will compete for the starting job with LaAdrian Waddle, recently traded for Trent Brown who the team snagged from the San Francisco 49ers or Cole Croston who spent the 2017 season on the practice squad.
With Garcia being released the only remaining Patriots 2017 NFL Draft players consists of just DE Deatrich Wise and DE/OLB Derek Rivers who also missed the 2017 NFL season after tearing an ACL in joint practices with the Jaguars.
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
Support Us: We're Currently Invisible in Google News
We need your help. A recent algorithm change has destoyed our traffic, and we need a quick moment of your time.
If you enjoy our content, please help us gain visiblity in Google's algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
More Patriots News Headlines:
Tuesday Patriots Notebook 8/18: Team Taking it Slow With Lomu
By: Ian LoguePatriots are taking it slow with Caleb Lomu at tackle following offensive line injuries. Vrabel seeks consistency in Eagles joint practices.
MORSE: Practice 17 Notes and Updated Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection
By: Mark MorsePatriots' updated 53-man roster projection follows Practice 17 notes, highlighting Drake Maye's strong performance and the Greg Van Roten signing.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/17
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Monday Patriots Notebook 8/17: Gonzalez Has a Big Decision to Make
By: Ian LogueChristian Gonzalez faces a crucial contract decision after Devon Witherspoon's record deal. The Patriots also get injury updates & test kicker Borregales.
Patriots News 08-16, Post PS Game #1 53-Man Roster Projection
By: Steve BalestrieriAnalyzing Patriots' first preseason game observations and a detailed 53-man roster projection. Key player performances and position battles are highlighted.
