FOXBOROUGH — The crowded field of candidates to replace left tackle Nate Solder was thinned Friday when the Patriots released second-year lineman Tony Garcia.
Garcia, who was drafted in the third round (85th overall) last year after the Patriots traded up to get him, missed his rookie season as he dealt with blood clots in his lungs. Garcia’s release came with a “failed physical’’ designation despite a recent social media post from the player proclaiming he was healthy.
“Just got cleared to play again!!! God is good,’’ Garcia wrote on Instagram March 20.
Garcia first reported to the Patriots at 6 feet 7 inches, 302 pounds, but was considerably thinner by the end of last season.
A first-team All-Sun Belt selection for Troy in 2016, Garcia started at left tackle for three straight seasons in college and didn’t allow a single sack in more than 900 snaps his senior season.
At the owners meetings in late March, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked for an update on Garcia and fellow third-rounder Derek Rivers, who missed his rookie campaign because of a torn ACL.
“They’re working hard and we’ll see how it goes,’’ the coach said. “When you come back from an injury, sometimes it’s a straight-line recovery, sometimes things go faster than expected, sometimes things go fast and then they slow down, then they pick back up again.
“It’s all part of a long process and all we can do is string a lot of good days together, day after day, month after month, and when they’re ready, they’re ready.’’
As for other possible replacements for Solder, the Patriots drafted Isaiah Wynn with their first pick last month and also traded for Trent Brown. Additionally, LaAdrian Waddle, Cole Croston, and Andrew Jelks will return. The team also signed free agents Matt Tobin and Ulrick John.
Expanded duties
Brian Flores is going to coordinate the Patriots’ defense this season but he won’t carry the title of defensive coordinator. And that’s just fine with him.
“I’ve never been big on title,’’ said Flores, who has been the team’s linebackers coach the last two seasons. “I’m here to work. I’m here to help this team win in any way I can. I think I’ve always said that in some form or fashion. If they want me to get water, I’ll get water. If that’s the role we need to help us win, that’s what I’ll do.’’
That chore won’t be on Flores’s to-do list, but he will take on a bigger workload, taking over many — but not all — of the responsibilities formerly held by Matt Patricia. He acknowledges his role will be expanded, but he doesn’t expect any major changes.
“Every year is different to me,’’ said Flores, who joined the Patriots in 2004. “There’s some transition, there’s some things that are different. This year, to me, it’s similar to other years. And that’s kind of where I’m at.
“My goal in coaching is to help guys become the best version of themselves on the field and off.’’
Backing for Patricia
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels offered support for Patricia but declined to say anything beyond the statement of support that Belichick released Thursday.
Patricia held a news conference to “clear his name’’ Thursday after the Detroit News reported that he had been indicted for sexual assault in 1996 in a case that did not go to trial because the alleged victim did not cooperate. Patricia, the Patriots’ defensive coordinator the last six seasons, said he was “falsely accused’’ and called the emergence of the report “unfair and upsetting.’’
“Matt’s always been a good friend of mine. I enjoyed working with him for a long time,’’ McDaniels said. “I don’t really know anything about that topic or anything like that. I haven’t spoken to him in the last day or two, so it would be unfair for me to comment on that.
“But I think Bill made a statement yesterday and I would agree with that. [Patricia] has always been a guy that we enjoyed working with, certainly been of high character, integrity. It’s obviously unfortunate for anybody to go through what’s happening, but I’m not really educated on the whole topic right now.’’
Belichick’s statement read:
“The New England Patriots were not aware of the matter which recently came to light. For 14 years in our organization, Matt conducted himself with great integrity and is known to be an outstanding coach, person, and family man. We have always been confident in Matt’s character and recommended him highly to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions.’’
Sizing up Michel
Running backs coach Ivan Fears is excited to get to work with first-round pick Sony Michel. “He’s a playmaker, man,’’ Fears said. “Whenever Georgia needed it, whenever they wanted to do something with a back, he was a guy that was touching that ball. He’s a playmaker.’’ Fears believes Michel has the skill set that will allow him to be effective in space but also between the tackles. “He’s very productive in the open field, but he’s also productive on the inside,’’ said Fears. “He’s got some stout to him. He’s not a little guy. He’s got broad shoulders and about, what, 215 [pounds], somewhere in that neighborhood? He’s a size player.’’ . . . The Patriots officially signed six of their nine draft picks: linebackers Ja’Whaun Bentley (fifth round) and Christian Sam (sixth), and receiver Braxton Berrios, quarterback Danny Etling, defensive back Keion Crossen, and tight end Ryan Izzo (all seventh-rounders).
Ben Volin of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
