FOXBORO — It’s anybody’s guess what the Patriots’ offensive line will seem like Sunday night time towards the Dolphins. Players within the locker room Friday mentioned even they didn’t know who can be beginning.
The Patriots listed left deal with Trent Brown (concussion), left guard Cole Strange (knee), proper guard Mike Onwenu (ankle) and rookie Sidy Sow (concussion) as questionable heading into Sunday night time’s matchup with the Dolphins, although middle David Andrews (hamstring) was faraway from the damage report and ought to be good to start out in Week 2.
Brown and Sow, who began Week 1 at proper guard, nonetheless had not been cleared from concussion protocol as of Friday and didn’t observe all week. Those two accidents put much more significance on getting Onwenu and Strange again from accidents.
Strange and Onwenu each missed the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Eagles. Strange suffered a knee damage on the Patriots’ first padded observe of coaching camp. He’s been restricted in observe now for 2 straight weeks. Onwenu started coaching camp on the bodily unable to carry out checklist after present process ankle surgical procedure this offseason. He’s additionally been restricted in observe for 2 straight weeks.
It appears unlikely Brown and Sow can be prepared for Sunday after not training all week, however they haven’t been formally dominated out.
The Patriots began rookie Atonio Mafi at left guard in Strange’s place final week.
David Andrews, Mafi, offensive deal with Calvin Anderson, rookie middle/guard Jake Andrews, offensive deal with Vederian Lowe and offensive deal with Tyrone Wheatley Jr., are the one totally wholesome offensive linemen on the Patriots’ 53-man roster. The Patriots even have middle/guard James Ferentz, middle/guard Kody Russey and offensive deal with Andrew Stueber on their observe squad. Veteran offensive lineman Riley Reiff will miss at the very least three extra video games on injured reserve.
Anderson began at proper deal with in Week 1. The Patriots might transfer him over to left deal with if Brown can’t play, however they may choose to maintain him on the appropriate aspect since that seems to be his long-term position for now.
“When I came here, I told (offensive line coach Adrian Klemm) and all of them, I can play both at any moment,” Anderson mentioned Friday within the locker room.
Lowe or Wheatley will nearly definitely fill the opposite deal with spot if Brown and Sow can’t play. Belichick mentioned each can play left and proper deal with.
“They’ve both been good. I’m glad we have them,” Belichick mentioned. “They’re good to work with and they’re getting better, so it’s good. I’m glad we have them.”
Wheatley mentioned he’s performed proper deal with and swing deal with and that he’s making an attempt to benefit from wherever they put him.
“He works hard, has a good skill, works hard and learning,” Belichick mentioned Friday. “He’s a young player, developing player but he’s getting better.”
Wheatley did say he received extra time on the observe subject this week, which was priceless since he and Lowe have been each acquired by way of commerce late final month. He mentioned he’d be snug if he was compelled into motion this week.
“It’s a good group of guys. Good coaches. I think we’ll be all right,” he mentioned.
If Strange and Onwenu can play, then the Patriots are set at guard. If just one can play, then Mafi will fill the opposite spot. If neither can play, then it will likely be Mafi plus Jake Andrews, Russey or Ferentz at guard.
The variety of observe squad elevations the Patriots make will likely be a inform about their damage state of affairs. Teams get an additional gameday energetic roster spot in the event that they gown eight offensive linemen. The Patriots at present have 10 out there offensive linemen on their 53-man roster, however 4 are listed as questionable. If they elevate or signal offensive linemen from the observe squad, meaning they’ve uncertainty about whether or not three or extra of their injured gamers can swimsuit up.
But as of now, the one identified starters on the Patriots’ offensive line for Sunday night time are Anderson and David Andrews.
Source: www.bostonherald.com
