Patriots Daily
Patriots Daily: Layden Robinson to Return to the Starting Lineup?
The New England Patriots have used 11 different starters on the offensive line through their first six games. The team has used six starting units in the trenches through Week 6. Sunday in London, they will play a seventh straight game with a different offensive line combination this season. One of this week’s adjustments could be reinserting rookie Layden Robinson back into the starting lineup.
The Patriots ruled left tackle Vederian Lowe out for the game with an ankle injury. This is likely to cause some shifting elsewhere. Although Zach Thomas finished Week 6 at left tackle for New England, there are indications he will not start there against Jacksonville.
Mike Onwenu began the season at right tackle. He started the first four games there before moving to right guard for the last two. During the portion of practice open to the media on Friday, Onwenu was taking reps at right tackle once again. Head coach Jerod Mayo would not commit to where Onwenu would play, only commending his versatility and saying he could play guard or tackle at a high level.
Demontrey Jacobs started the last two weeks at right tackle after starting Week 4 on the left side. With Lowe out, he likely shifts back over to left tackle. Ben Brown is expected to start his second game at center for New England, especially given the high praise from his head coach after last week’s performance.
Starting Guards
The Patriots listed left guard Michael Jordan as questionable against the Jaguars. If Jordan can play, he will likely start. Sidy Sow remains available if Jordan’s ankle issue prevents him from starting.
It appears rookie Layden Robinson returning to the lineup is in the cards for Week 7. Jerod Mayo spoke about Robinson on Friday and confirmed Robinson will play against Jacksonville, though would not disclose if that meant he’d start. He praised Robinson’s play and work ethic in practice.
“Layden [Robinson] is one of the hardest practicing guys on the team,” Mayo said. “He always shows tremendous effort.”
Robinson started the first four games for New England at right guard before Onwenu was moved inside. He has been dealing with ankle and wrist injuries, though that was not given as a reason for removing him from the first unit. According to Pro Football Focus, Layden Robinson has allowed a team-high 18 quarterback pressures and four sacks in 2024. He needs to show significant protection improvement whenever he gets his next opportunity. All indications point to that chance coming this weekend. Stay tuned.
Also in Saturday’s Patriots Daily:
Patriots Fact of the Day
The New England Patriots record for most starts by a rookie offensive lineman belongs to Cole Strange, who started all 17 games in the 2022 season. However, five players started every game during a 16-game season, and six started every game in a 14-game season. In addition, Bruce Armstrong started all 12 non-replacement games in 1987.
Including the postseason, the record shifts to Joe Thuney, who started all 19 for the 2016 Super Bowl Champions.
Post of the Day
Since it is Saturday, a nice throwback from Super 70s Sports:
If you’re of a certain age, you probably still believe this is what Saturday afternoons should sound like pic.twitter.com/SFMNtGtec2
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) October 18, 2024
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