The Patriots gained’t add accessible offensive deal with depth earlier than their last sport of the season regardless of starter Trent Brown’s unsure standing.
Tyrone Wheatley Jr., who was acquired through commerce from the Browns for working again Pierre Strong earlier than the season, gained’t be introduced off of injured reserve earlier than his activation window is closed, head coach Bill Belichick stated Wednesday. Wheatley, who has been again practising with the group for 3 weeks, performed simply 5 particular groups snaps all season.
Brown, who was faraway from the harm report Friday, was a wholesome scratch in Sunday’s loss to the Bills. He additionally wasn’t noticed at apply Wednesday. The Patriots have had points motivating Brown since he suffered ankle and knee accidents at midseason. Those accidents meant Brown wouldn’t obtain all the incentives baked into his contract as a part of a restructure in September.
The Patriots began Vederian Lowe at left deal with on Sunday. Andrew Stueber, who was elevated off of the apply squad, was the group’s prime backup behind Lowe and proper deal with Mike Onwenu.
Wheatley and fellow tackles Calvin Anderson, Riley Reiff and Conor McDermott are on injured reserve. Anderson and Reiff had been the highest candidates to begin at proper deal with earlier than the season started.
“Yeah, that’s not the way we thought it would happen when we acquired some of the guys at the beginning of the year,” Belichick stated Wednesday. “But it is what it is.”
The accidents compelled the Patriots to maneuver Onwenu from proper guard to proper deal with after Week 6.
“He started the year at guard. We talked after the Las Vegas game and started playing at tackle,” Belichick stated. “He’s really embraced that. I think he’s had a pretty good year out there. It’s not totally new for him. He’s been out there before. He’s seen a lot of good players and has done a pretty solid job.”
Onwenu is a free agent after the season and could be a worthwhile participant to deliver again for stability in 2024.
Source: www.bostonherald.com