O-line takes more hits
Andrews only starter present for practice
FOXBORO — The Patriots lost starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn and left guard Mike Onwenu to the COVID-19 reserve list Tuesday.
On Wednesday, their offensive line took another hit with two more starting O-linemen missing at practice.
Right tackle Trent Brown and right guard Shaq Mason sat out a full-pads session, leaving center David Andrews all alone up front. Brown had participated in seven straight practices on a limited basis, a streak snapped by the same calf injury he suffered in the team’s season opener. Mason is dealing with a new abdomen injury, after playing all of the offensive snaps last week against Tampa Bay.
If neither player can suit up in Houston this Sunday, the Pats’ offensive line should continue to struggle, even against the Texans’ leaky defensive front. The Patriots allowed four sacks and ran for minus-1 rushing yard last week versus the Bucs, the worst rushing performance in franchise history. A theoretical lineup from left to right could feature backup offensive tackle Justin Herron, practice-squad lineman James Ferentz, Andrews, backup guard Ted Karras and Yasir Durant, who started at right tackle in Week 3. Herron replaced Durant in the starting lineup last week.
In the case of Wynn and Onwenu, if a player tests positive for COVID-19 but is vaccinated, he can return once he produces two negative tests at least 24 hours apart and is asymptomatic for 48 hours. If a player tests positive and is unvaccinated, he must enter a 10-day quarantine. Wynn was often spotted wearing a mask entering training camp practices, unvaccinated players are required to wear masks inside the team facility and when in close proximity to other players outdoors.
Players can also be placed on COVID-19 reserve if they are deemed a high-risk close contact of a positive case. If an unvaccinated player is deemed a close contact, he must quarantine for five days. A vaccinated player who is a close contact isn’t required to isolate.
The Patriots return to practice this afternoon, typically a telling day for players’ gameday availability when they are dealing with injuries.
Mac reveals Gilmore connection
Mac Jones let everyone in on a little behind-the-scenes
secret during his Wednesday media session.
While Jones never got to face Stephon Gilmore in practice, the rookie quarterback said he still benefited from having Gilmore around the team facility. As it turns out, the one-time Defensive Player of the Year was like a mentor to Jones, offering him advice after studying his tape.
“He actually helped me a lot, just talking with him. Like, ‘Hey, I see you doing this on film’ or whatever,” Jones said of Gilmore, who was traded Wednesday to Carolina. “He definitely played a good role for me, just in talking with him. A lot of guys on the team have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great player, and he’ll continue to be a great player. I wish him and his family nothing but success.”
Jones indicated this wasn’t a one-time deal. He said he met quite often with Gilmore all around the facility.
“Just in the training room, or wherever it may be, I just liked to talk to him,” said Jones. “I asked him if I was ever going to get a chance to go against him. We just kind of talked some smack back and forth. He’s a good dude.”
Jones continues to experience a roller-coaster start to his career. He’s taken several hits leading the Patriots to a 1-3 record, and navigated all the hype of Tom Brady’s return last week and now lost a mentor, one of the most popular players in the Pats’ locker room. But he’s moving on.
“We don’t have control over that,” said Jones. “It’s not our decision to make that decision. So, he’s going to be great. It was just an honor to get to know him. We just got to keep moving forward.”
Anderson goes on IR
Backup defensive lineman Henry Anderson was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, freeing up a roster spot for the Patriots to sign linebacker Jamie Collins.
Anderson reportedly tore a pectoral during Sunday night’s loss to Tampa Bay. He made three tackles in four game appearances. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder played multiple positions along the Pats’ defensive front in a reserve role. He signed a modest two-year deal in free agency last March and is expected to miss the rest of the year.
DB Benton added to practice squad
The Patriots filled out their practice squad Wednesday, signing second-year defensive back Elijah Benton.
Benton went undrafted out of Liberty in 2020, then signed with the Browns. He spent most of last season on Cleveland’s practice squad, around a one-time elevation in mid-October against the Steelers. The 6-foot-1, 205pounder returned to the Browns last summer but was released at the end of training camp on Aug. 31.