A league source tells the Boston Globe free agent RT Sebastian Vollmer's Wednesday knee operation was "routine post-season maintenance," and unlikely to affect contract negotiations.

As we suspected. According to two leagues sources, the Pats are unlikely to use the franchise tag on a player believed to be a priority in free agency, but that it's not "totally out of the question." Vollmer would be due $9.66 million under the tag. The Pats would clearly prefer to lock-up their mauling right tackle long-term, regardless of his back and knee woes.

A league source tells the Boston Herald free agent RT Sebastian Vollmer recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

It's a minor operation. Which knee is unclear, but Vollmer dealt with minor knee troubles earlier in 2012. Vollmer's back is a bigger concern, but this will only further cloud the market of a player whose play calls for top dollar, but health begs for caution. The local media expects the Patriots to make Vollmer a priority amongst their in-house free agents.

ESPN's Mike Reiss believes the Patriots will make a $6-7 million per year offer to RT Sebastian Vollmer before free agency opens.

Vollmer won't have much to lose by testing the market. As one of the best available tackles, he could very well garner a bigger deal elsewhere. If Vollmer does walk, Reiss suggests 2011 fifth-rounder Marcus Cannon or potential first-round pick D.J. Fluker as replacement candidates.

ESPN Boston guesses free agent RT Sebastian Vollmer could command $6-7 million per season on the open market.

The 6-foot-8, 315-pound Vollmer is one of the premier right tackles in the league, and is capable of manning the blindside in a pinch. Both ESPN Boston and the Boston Globe consider Vollmer the Patriots' most important free agent. The Pats will undoubtedly look to hammer out a long-term extension before the start of free agency, and save the franchise tag for CB Aqib Talib or Wes Welker.

The Boston Globe believes re-signing RT Sebastian Vollmer should be the Patriots' "priority" in free agency.

As does ESPN Boston. As usual, the Pats are maintaining near radio silence on their plans, but Vollmer figures to take precedence over fellow free agents Wes Welker and Aqib Talib. Re-upping Vollmer would give New England the same starting five it had along its offensive line in 2012. If there's a complicating factor in bringing Vollmer back, it will be his chronic back issues.

ESPN Boston thinks impending free agent RT Sebastian Vollmer is a "top priority" for the Patriots this offseason.

Vollmer has battled back issues since entering the league, but he is one of the better pass-blocking right tackles in football. He also has the ability to play left tackle as a 6-foot-8 behemoth. New England has three notable free agents this offseason in Vollmer, Wes Welker, and Aqib Talib, so one of them could get the franchise tag. The franchise number at offensive tackle is $9.66 million.

WEEI Boston suggests RT Sebastian Vollmer as a franchise-tag option if the Pats get deals worked out with Wes Welker and/or Aqib Talib before the start of free agency in March.

Although durability has been a concern for 28-year-old Vollmer, he's been one of the NFL's premier pass-protecting right tackles when healthy, and can also play the left side in a pinch. The Pats are going to want Vollmer back, but price is a sticking point. The offensive line franchise number is $9.66 million. We suspect they'd place it on Talib before they tagged Vollmer.

Sirius XM Radio's Ross Tucker thinks Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer has "probably been the best right tackle in the game" in 2012.

"I don't see every play of every game of every right tackle, and I don't see every play of Sebastian, but every play I have seen, I've been pretty impressed," said Tucker. "I was a little nervous about him in the preseason, because I saw some stiffness." The issue with Vollmer is his health, especially with his back. He was forced to miss Thanksgiving night's game due to it. Vollmer has dealt with back issues since his college days at Houston, and being a free agent after the season, it could affect negotiations. He's allowed just one sack this season, though.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (knee) and LG Logan Mankins (calf) were both forced from New England's Week 5 win over the Broncos in the fourth quarter.

Neither injury appears serious, and it was likely just a matter of the Patriots getting their veteran linemen some rest late in a game that was never really in doubt. Coach Bill Belichick figures to be mum on their status during the week, but neither Vollmer nor Mankins should be worse than questionable for Week 6.

The Patriots are listing RT Sebastian Vollmer (lower back) as questionable for Week 1.

Vollmer was a limited participant in practice this week and made a brief appearance in the final game of preseason. The Patriots will go with Marcus Cannon at right tackle if Vollmer is ruled out. Rookie CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring) and C/G Nick McDonald (shoulder) are not expected to be active Sunday against the Titans.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (back) has been activated from the camp/PUP list and will resume practicing.

Vollmer underwent offseason ankle and back surgeries. It was the latter operation shelving him for all of OTA season and the first three weeks of training camp. Vollmer, who's in a contract year, could increase his 2013 market value with a healthy campaign. He's made 16 starts just once through three seasons.

CSN New England reports Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (back surgery) and TE Daniel Fells (leg) will both come off the active/PUP list in the "very near future."

It's doubtful either will be ready for New England's third preseason game on Friday, but it bodes well for their Week 1 prospects. Players are not eligible for the reserve/PUP list once they've come off the active/PUP. Vollmer will slide back in at right tackle, while Fells will be limited to blocking duties behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez if he beats out Visanthe Shiancoe.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (ankle) recently underwent a "small procedure" on his troublesome back, and is not expected to participate in this week's minicamp.

Vollmer had previously been sidelined by the lingering effects of a late-season ankle operation, but will supposedly be ready for training camp. The soon-to-be 28-year-old tackle's back issues date back to his sophomore year of college, and cost him five of New England's first six games last season. It's a big concern heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer underwent ankle surgery last season.

As a result, he's sitting out Patriots OTAs for "precautionary reasons." We knew Vollmer missed the final five weeks of the regular season with an ankle injury, but the Patriots never disclosed that he went under the knife. Vollmer missed New England's first two playoff wins before playing in Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLVI. There's no reason to believe he won't be ready for camp.

Patriots OL coach Dante Scarnecchia confirmed Tuesday RT Sebastian Vollmer (back, ankle) will be active for Super Bowl XLVI.

"He'll play in this game at some point, whether we have Nate (Solder) outside or him at tackle," Scarnecchia said. A second team All-Pro in 2010, Vollmer was limited to just six games this season. Sidelined since Week 12, it's likely Vollmer will serve in a swing role.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (back, ankle) is tentatively expected to be active for Super Bowl XLVI.

Vollmer last played in Week 12, but almost suited up for the AFC Championship Game, and should be ready to go against the Giants. With rookie Nate Solder playing well at right tackle in Vollmer's absence, Vollmer will likely serve in a swing role against the G-Men.

Patriots RT Nate Solder (ankle) remains in a protective boot.

Vollmer has been sidelined since Week 11, and is unlikely to return before the postseason. First-round pick Nate Solder has been filling in at right tackle. Solder has struggled in pass protection, but has graded out as an above-average run blocker by Pro Football Focus.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (ankle) has been ruled inactive for Week 13 against the Colts.

Vollmer suffered an ankle injury in last Sunday's game against the Eagles and remains ''week-to-week.'' Other Patriots inactives: LB Brandon Spikes, QB Ryan Mallett, RB Shane Vereen, OL Dan Connolly, LB Dane Fletcher, and SS Patrick Chung.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer was forced from Sunday's game against the Eagles with an ankle injury, and is questionable to return.

First-round pick Nate Solder is now in at right tackle. Vollmer went down late in the first half, and was absent for New England's opening drive of the second. His day is likely through.

Patriots RT Sebastian Vollmer (back) has been ruled out for Week 4.

This will be Vollmer's second straight absence, and third in four games. HC Bill Belichick hinted Friday he may be able to return in Week 5 against the Jets. With first-round pick Nate Solder holding up well in Vollmer's absence, there is no reason for the Patriots to rush him back.