During this year's training camp, second-year center Bryan Stork was the Patriots' best offensive lineman. He looked great in team-drills and great in one-on-ones. His facial hair game was awesome. He was the undisputed starter at the position and, surrounded by questions at the guard position, the leader of the interior line.
However, Stork was never able to lead the unit as he was supposed to be. On September 10, he was placed on short-term injured reserve due to a concussion as well as a "muscle-related" neck issue. Because of the move, he had to sit out the team's first eight games; he was allowed to start practicing after six weeks of absence.