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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –The New England Patriots saw almost their entire starting offensive line wiped out ahead of Sunday’s road game against the Houston Texans (CBS, 1 p.m. ET).
The team have already ruled out right guard Shaq Mason (abdomen) and right tackle Trent Brown (right calf) with injuries, and left tackle Isaiah Wynn and left guard Mike Onwenu remain on the reserve / COVID-19 list. after not training all week.
Only starting center David Andrews is in place for a unit that knows it needs to better protect rookie QB Mac Jones. Jones has been contacted 40 times this season, according to research from ESPN Stats & Information, which is tied for eighth in the NFL.
The Patriots (1-3) have also struggled to run the ball in recent weeks, finishing less-1 yard on eight carries in Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and gaining 49 yards. in 17 races in one week. 3 losses against the New Orleans Saints.
The team is expected to tap into its training squad for several reinforcements on Sunday against the Texans (1-3), with veterans James Ferentz and Alex Redmond and rookie Will Sherman being the best candidates for promotions.
“Whoever gets the chance, I’m sure he will make the most of it,” said head coach Bill Belichick, when asked about his level of concern about the offensive line. “I think they’ll be good to go, so we’ll see how it all plays out.”
The Patriots have several options for composing a revamped offensive line.
Second-year players Justin Herron and Yasir Durant are next tackles on the depth chart, followed by third-year Yodny Cajuste. Veteran Ted Karras is the best guard replacement, and he plans to fill a guard post.
“It’s certainly not an ideal situation, but we have a big, deep room,” said Karras, who has 37 career starts on his resume (including the playoffs).
“Everyone is doing their best to put in a winning performance on Sunday… It’s an opportunity for a lot of us to be in the game when we might not normally be, and to show what we are doing. can do and contribute to the team, and ultimately hopefully contribute to a victory. “
As for the Texans, they have ruled out running back Rex Burkhead (hip), while right tackle Marcus Cannon (back) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (hamstrings) are questionable.
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