PATRIOTS

The Patriots are averaging just 207 yards per game through the air on the season, dropping them to 25th in the league.

They also have eight turnovers over the past three games, seven of them coming in losses to Kansas City and Denver.

While the lack of practice time certainly has affected the Patriots’ offensive continuity, the players that have been available also haven’t been providing consistent production.

That includes veteran receiver Julian Edelman. He had eight catches and set a career high with 179 receiving yards at Seattle, but since then has caught just seven passes for a total for 66 yards. He’s also yet to score a touchdown this season.

“The best way to play offense is for everybody to

contribute, (and) to find ways for everybody to contribute. That’s certainly my job,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. “I’m going to try to do my best to get (Edelman) involved, but also try to get production from all the skill positions on the field.

“Every offensive unit is always better when there’s a lot of people that are contributing.”

Some of that could be helped by getting the core offensive line group healthy.

Center David Andrews is eligible to return from injured reserve this week from a hand injury. That would allow Joe Thuney to go back to his natural left guard spot.

But there are still potential holes.

Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor left last week’s game with an ankle injury and is on the mend. After he went down, Mike Onwenu, who started at left guard, shifted to tackle, with Hjalte

Froholdt taking Onwenu’s place at guard.

One or both of them could be needed again this week if Eluemunor isn’t ready to return.

“I give our guys a lot of credit. We had a lot of guys play multiple positions and prepare to play multiple positions last week,” McDa

niels said. “It’s a challenge, but that’s what we prepare hard for.”

Froholdt said he’ll be ready if he’s called upon again.

“You have to be able to do as much as you can for the team and I want to play wherever they want to put me,” Froholdt said.

Billie Weiss / Getty Images Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, right, talks to quarterback Cam Newton before Sunday’s game against the Broncos.