Injuries have Patriots veteran C Dan Koppen in starting spot

C Dan Koppen was supposed to be a backup option for the Patriots this season, but injuries have him back at starter -- and it's been none to pretty.

By Greg Bedard

Jul 31, 2012 at 7:31 pm ET • 1 min read

When the Patriots re-signed C Dan Koppen to an incentive-laden contract this offseason, it was supposed to be for a reserve role in case Dan Connolly, who was signed to starter's money, didn't work out.

But with both expected starting guards out -- Logan Mankins (ACL surgery) and Brian Waters (hasn't reported) -- in the near term, Connolly has played exclusively at G, leaving Koppen back in his old starting spot.

It hasn't gone well, as Koppen has lost his last five one-on-one battles, most of the lopsided variety.

Koppen didn't look great in camp last year, but he started the season opener before a broken leg ended his season.

That injury allowed Connolly to emerge as a legitimate starter. Considering Koppen's struggles so far, maybe the Patriots should move Connolly back to center.

Koppen has had a tough time against the power of the linemen, and his trademark feet don't seem to be quite as quick.

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