WHITESTOWN, N.Y. (AP) -New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur is due in an upstate New York courtroom for arraignment on a misdemeanor drug possession charge.

The Canadian-born Kaczur was arrested by police who said he was carrying a small amount of the painkiller OxyContin without a prescription when he was stopped for speeding on the New York State Thruway near Utica in late April. The charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail.

Authorities say after his arrest, Kaczur helped investigators catch the man accused of supplying him with the drug.

The 28-year-old Kaczur was drafted by the Patriots in 2005 out of the University of Toledo. He has started 35 games over three seasons.

The Patriots say Kaczur remains on the team and won't comment on any disciplinary action.