The New England Patriots made two notable roster moves after Monday’s training camp practice. They placed one member of their 2023 NFL Draft class on injured reserve and, in a corresponding move, reunited with a veteran offensive lineman to fill the open roster spot.
New England Patriots Announce Pair of Roster Moves
On Monday afternoon, the Patriots announced that second-year offensive lineman Jake Andrews was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Andrews, a fourth-round pick (107th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, hadn’t participated in any training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury.
For those wondering about the injured reserve (IR)-related rule change adopted during the offseason, it doesn’t apply in this situation. The Patriots could’ve left a door open for Andrews’ return if they’d placed him on IRÂ on roster cutdown day, but since he landed on IR before Aug. 27, he can’t return this season.
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Andrews, 24, was active for 16 games as a rookie but saw just 70 offensive snaps, all at center. He’s able to play center and both guard spots.
Additionally, New England signed veteran long snapper Tucker Addington, who played three games for the Patriots in 2022 after Joe Cardona offered a season-ending injury. Addington played in three games for the Washington Commanders last season.
As a career long snapper, Addington likely wasn’t signed as a true replacement for Andrews.
PFN Analysis: What This Means for Patriots’ Interior Offensive Line
This is a tough break for Andrews, whom the Patriots hoped could be their center of the future. He still could earn that job, but it’s now fair to wonder whether he has any future in New England.
It’s also bad news for the Patriots, who already were thin on the interior offensive line and might be without left guard Cole Strange (patellar tendon rehab) for the entire season.
Their projected starting trio — left guard Sidy Sow, center David Andrews, and right guard Mike Onwenu — likely is set and is high-caliber. Veteran Nick Leverett also has played well during camp and seemingly is entrenched as the backup center.
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After that? It gets scary.
Guard Michael Jordan (the NFL version) is on the roster bubble, as is sophomore guard Atonio Mafi, who’s been thrust into center reps and struggled mightily. Rookie fourth-round Layden Robinson has shown promise at right guard during practices, but the jury is out on whether he’s ready for regular-season action.
The Patriots have a good interior O-line. But with Strange and Jake Andrews both facing long-term absences, the group is perilously thin.
