The New England Patriots’ left tackle dilemma continues. Since there are still some available, instead of acquiring a veteran left tackle, the Patriots decided to roll with a career right tackle at the tail end of his career, Chukwuma Okorafor, and draft Caedan Wallace, a right tackle in college, expecting them to make the transition effortlessly. So far, the experiment hasn’t worked out.
Chukwuma Okorafor started their season opener, but the Patriots benched Okorafor during their second drive in favor of Vederian Lowe. As Chuks decided to leave the team, Lowe started in Week 2 but exited the fourth quarter with a knee injury. He hasn’t played their last two games but is “close to returning.”
Caedan Wallace started in Week 3 but struggled in his starting debut. He exited the fourth quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return. Demontrey Jacobs started in Week 4, while Wallace played a few snaps as the sixth offensive lineman before exiting the first half with an injury.
The New England Patriots rookie exited Week 4 with a lower leg injury
Caedan Wallace suffered an apparent ankle injury during their failed fourth down conversion in the second quarter. He limped off the field with the assistance of fellow teammates. The medical staff carted him into the locker room, and he wore a walking boot on his left foot and had crutches on postgame.
Wallace did not participate in Wednesday or Thursday’s practice.
He will miss an extended period.
He heads to injured reserve
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Jerod Mayo told the media that the New England Patriots will place David Andrews and Caedan Wallace on injured reserve. Although Andrews will likely miss the rest of the season, there is optimism that Wallace can return later. He could miss around six weeks.
The #Patriots are placing OT Caedan Wallace (ankle) on Injured Reserve, per coach Jerod Mayo. Sounds like he’s out at least six weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2024
Who starts at LT?
Demontrey Jacobs could make his second consecutive start as Jacoby Brissett’s blind side protector if Vederian Lowe cannot play or the coaching staff decides to roll with him since the offensive line is banged up. Sidy Sow, Michael Jordan, Nick Leverett, and Layden Robinson are injured and on the injury report. We’ll see if they will play this week.
Jacobs played college football for the Grambling State Tigers and the South Florida Bulls before signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent his rookie season on the Broncos practice squad. The Broncos released Jacobs during roster cuts, and the Patriots claimed him off waivers. He started in Week 4, going up against Nick Bosa, and played ok, considering this was his first career start. Although he struggled, he impressed their offensive coordinator.
“I was proud of him. He fought his butt off. He had the sombrero on the day of dealing with Bosa for the most part,” Van Pelt said. “He really fought well. Threw his hands really well. He’s super long. I think that’s one of his qualities that makes him good when he does use his hands. He’s tough to get around. For a guy who’s really started his first game, including preseason, to go out and play against Bosa for most part of the day, I thought he did a nice job.”