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Nate Solder played last year after testicular cancer diagnosis

AP

The Patriots have made keeping injuries secret a point of institutional pride.

But Nate Solder’s willing to talk now about a problem he dealt with last season that could have been much bigger than fudging an injury report submitted to the league.

Via Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer a year ago, was treated, and went on to play a key role for the Super Bowl champions.

He was initially diagnosed after his standard physical at the beginning of offseason conditioning work. He mentioned feeling some pain, Patriots doctors ordered up an ultrasound, and three days later, he had surgery to remove the testicle.