Caedan Wallace Activated by Patriots, Marcus Jones to IR

The New England Patriots activated offensive tackle Caedan Wallace from injured reserve. The rookie had been sidelined since Week 4 with an ankle injury. New England made room on their 53-man roster by placing Marcus Jones on injured reserve.

The Patriots selected Wallace in the third round (No. 68 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Wallace played right tackle in college for Penn State, though New England tried him on both sides of the line. He began the season as the fourth offensive tackle on the depth chart behind Mike Onwenu, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Vederian Lowe. However, there was significant movement along the offensive line from the start of the season.

Lowe replaced Okorafor at left tackle after 12 offensive snaps in Week 1. The move prompted Okorafor to leave the Patriots before the team’s second game. Lowe suffered an injury in Week 2, prompting Wallace to start his first NFL game in Week 3. In 38 snaps, he received three penalties. He allowed three pressures and a sack before leaving injured.

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Wallace returned to a reserve role in Week 4. He played three offensive snaps before exiting injured. Following the game, he was placed on injured reserve, along with starting center David Andrews. Although Andrews required season-ending surgery for his injury, Wallace’s activation signals his rookie campaign might not be over.

It is unclear if Caedan Wallace will move into the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Left tackle Vederian Lowe and right tackle Demontrey Jacobs have both struggled at times this season, with Jacobs having a particularly tough time in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills.

Marcus Jones’ Season Over

New England placing Marcus Jones on injured reserve indicates an end to his 2024 season. The cornerback/punt returner was enjoying a solid season for the Patriots. On defense he registered 58 tackles (48 solo) defended ten passes, and added an interception.

Jones was an All-Pro punt returner as a rookie in 2022. He played only two games last season before being sidelined with a torn labrum. Jones made a strong return as both a cornerback and a return specialist. His 14.8 punt return average is second in the NFL, behind only Marvin Mims Jr. of the Denver Broncos. Jones exceeded his rookie average (12.5) which made him an All-Pro.

Marcus Jones received two offensive this season. He rushed one time for five yards and had one reception for an 18-yard gain. Jones has been dealing with a hip injury that kept him out last weekend against the Bills. The third-year player is expected to be a part of the New England Patriots core for next season.