New England’s Injury Report is Concerning

The injury report for the New England Patriots practice today is certainly concerning. Just a day after writing about the surplus of offensive linemen Bill Belichick opted to keep around, there is now further depth worries. Two players are listed as “Out” while another five landed on the “Limited Practice” list.

OUT
OT Trent Brown (concussion)
OL Sidy Sow (concussion)

LIMITED PRACTICE
C David Andrews (hamstring)
WR Kayshon Boutte (hamstring)
OL Mike Onwenu (ankle)
WR DeVante Parker (knee)
OG Cole Strange (knee)

Brown, Sow and David Andrews all played every snap on the Patriots offensive line in Week 1. Both Strange and Onwenu sat out Week 1 with injuries, with no timetable for their returns.

If these offensive line options are all unable to play this week, New England will likely need to recall veteran IOL James Ferentz from the practice squad. Rookie Jake Andrews is David Andrews understudy at center. If Trent Brown remains out, his spot on the left side could be filled by newcomers Tyrone Wheatley Jr or Vederian Lowe. Also possible RT Calvin Anderson would be moved to the left side, with one of the other tackles taking his spot on the right. Regardless, not an encouraging mid-week injury report for the Patriots offensive.

Parker also missed the game Sunday, with Boutte filling his role. Both being out would present a tough situation for the New England Patriots offense against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Their absences also cause issues simply running the offensive game plan in practice.

Keep an eye on the participation of these players leading up to Sunday. A few of these offensive linemen need to find their way back on the field soon. If not, the “strength in numbers” philosophy goes up in smoke as the actual numbers continue to dwindle.