FOXBORO — As anticipated, the Patriots will enter the 2024 NFL season with simply four-fifths of their beginning offensive line intact.
Left guard Sidy Sow, who has not practiced since injuring his ankle in New England’s preseason finale, formally was dominated out for Sunday’s season opener towards the Cincinnati Bengals.
Together with middle David Andrews, Sow was considered one of simply two locked-in starters on the Patriots’ revolving O-line this summer season. With the second-year professional unavailable for Week 1, anticipate Nick Leverett or apply squadder Michael Jordan to begin to Andrews’ left.
Leverett and Jordan each signed with New England in March, with Jordan launched throughout last roster cuts.
An extra three Patriots gamers have been listed as questionable: offensive deal with Vederian Lowe (stomach), operating again Antonio Gibson (hip) and edge rusher Joshua Uche (foot). Lowe and Gibson have been restricted in Friday’s apply; Uche was a full participant.
Earlier than apply, head coach Jerod Mayo mentioned Lowe was making “encouraging” progress after struggling his damage halfway by means of the preseason.
Lowe was repping because the Patriots’ prime left deal with earlier than his absence; since then, it’s been Chukwuma Okorafor in that spot. Each may see motion towards Cincinnati, as Mayo didn’t rule out using an O-line rotation.
“That’s into account,” he mentioned. “I believe it’s important to — as soon as once more, everybody has their very own stage of conditioning. So, if somebody’s drained, then we’ll get them out.”
A possible downside with that strategy is that New England lacks confirmed depth up entrance. Its different O-line backups are third-round rookie Caedan Wallace, who struggled in coaching camp, and waiver-wire pickups Zach Thomas and Demontrey Jacobs, who joined the crew simply final week.
“It’s a risk,” Mayo replied when requested whether or not the waiver additions can be able to contribute this weekend.
The Patriots even have Liam Fornadel and post-cutdown newcomers Caleb Jones, Bryan Hudson and Jerome Carvin on their apply squad.
Halfway by means of the preseason, Mayo mentioned he noticed a “dramatic drop-off” from the highest O-line to the second and third items. Consistency from that place group will likely be important as New England eyes an offensive resurgence beneath new coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Mike Onwenu and fourth-round rookie Layden Robinson are anticipated to begin at proper deal with and proper guard, respectively.
“Everybody must be able to go,” Mayo mentioned. “I be ok with the apply reps and the way we break up these up amongst the group. Our expectation for the sport is to go on the market, play good soccer, play with good fundamentals and win.”
The Bengals, in the meantime, could possibly be with out their top two receivers on Sunday. Tee Higgins is listed as uncertain after lacking Friday’s apply with a hamstring damage, and Ja’Marr Chase is questionable amid a contract dispute. Offensive deal with Amarius Mims (pectoral) and defensive deal with Kris Jenkins (thumb) are out for Cincinnati.
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