An integral part of the New England Patriots’ offensive line is about to go under the knife. Starting left guard Joe Thuney is set to undergo foot surgery sometime during this offseason, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports.

While Thuney has still been present at the Patriots’ voluntary offseason workouts, his activity has been limited as he prepares to undergo the procedure. His surgery is not expected to threaten his availability for 2018 season, but he will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the team’s offseason activities.

Thuney has been a stalwart on the Patriots’ offensive line ever since he arrived as a third-round pick back in 2016. He’s started 32 out of a possible 32 games at left guard for New England in his two years in the league and has played all but nine snaps during that span.

If Thuney does miss time at the start of the season due to the surgery, the entire left side of Tom Brady’s line could be completely different after left tackle Nate Solder also left in free agency.

First-round pick Isaiah Wynn could be a strong candidate to take Thuney’s place. Although, he is also in contention to take over for Solder at left tackle, as some draft evaluators viewed him as more of a guard in the NFL despite playing tackle in college.

If the rookie is forced to cover for Thuney inside, the Patriots still have other options at left tackle in Matt Tobin, LaAdrian Waddle, and recent acquisition Trent Brown. Meanwhile, Ted Karras and Luke Bowanko could also see some time at guard to fill in for Thuney.