Could Armond Armstead be the Answer at Defensive Tackle?

The Patriots reverted back to their winning ways with a dramatic comeback in New Orleans, but had to do so despite a defensive interior depleted by injuries. Vince Wilfork is out for the season with a torn Achilles and Tommy Kelly missed last week with a knee injury, leaving undrafted rookies Joe Vellano, Chris Jones and recently promoted practice squad member Marcus Forston as the team's only defensive tackles.

While the defense has continued to get results, the weak interior has to be a concern for Patriots fans. The Pats were fortunate that the Saints largely stuck to their passing guns, as New Orleans rushed for a clean 5 yards a pop on their 26 carries. Most of the Saints offensive success came in the second half with rookie Khiry Robinson, who gashed the Pats D for 53 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries.

A return from Kelly (whose injury is not believed to be serious) will help matters, but the Patriots could really use another player to step up and be a consistent performer. Fortunately for them, that player might be returning to the roster soon, as former CFL all star Armond Armstead is now eligible to return from the Non Football Injury list.

Armstead, of course, is a complete wild card. His performance while at USC had scouts projecting him as a second round pick before his senior year. However, a heart attack caused by the painkiller Toradol cost Armstead his senior season and his draft stock. After going undrafted in 2012, Armstead opted to prove his worth in the CFL. It wound up being a good decision, as Armstead was a CFL All Star as rookie for the Grey Cup winning Toronto Argonauts.

The Patriots took notice and signed Armstead to a three year deal with $655,000 guaranteed (a significant figure for a futures contract). Unfortunately, Armstead suffered another mysterious setback July 29 when he underwent surgery to clean up an unspecified infection. This resulted in him being placed on the Non Football Injury (NFI) list.

With Week 6 past, Armstead is now eligible to return to the Patriots. Whether he does return is another question entirely. Little is known about Armstead's condition and it's understandable for both team and player to be cautious considering his injury history. Patriots fans don't need any reminders of how an infection can impact a player's return to the field. Furthermore, Armstead has not been able to practice for two and half months; even if he does return, it will likely take him a few weeks to get back into football shape and up to speed with the playbook.

All ifs and buts aside, Armstead's intriguing potential could help the Pats down the road this year. At 6'5" and 305 pounds, Armstead is a long, athletic prospect capable of shooting gaps and defeating blockers to make plays against both the pass and run. He has a strong motor, plays with good leverage and displayed versatility (a key with Belichick's Patriots) by lining up all over the defensive line for the Argos in Canada. Vince Wilfork isn't walking through that door, at least not this year, and Joe Vellano has been pushed around a little bit in the run game. If Armstead is cleared to return, the opportunity will be there for him to step into the lineup and contribute to a strong defense.