Patriots offensive line will be limited again against 49ers
The New England Patriots will be down at least two offensive linemen, with two more limited for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
When the New England Patriots visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, the team will use its fourth different starting offensive line combination in four games this season. In the final injury report of the week on Friday, the Patriots ruled out two offensive linemen while labeling two more as questionable for Sunday.
Guard Michael Jordan (ankle) and tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) will both miss this game. For Lowe it will be the second game he misses in a row, while Jordan is missing his first game of the year after starting at left guard for the first three weeks of the season.
Jordan could be replaced by Sidy Sow (ankle), who is listed as questionable. Sow was projected as the Patriots’ starting left guard coming into the season, but suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale. It was Jordan thar replaced him in Week 1.
“Sidy’s done great,” head coach Jerod Mayo said before practice on Friday. “I talked to Sidy last week. It was close. It was close last week, and hopefully, we look forward to seeing him play here on Sunday.” If Sow can’t go, waiver claim Zach Thomas could get the nod after replacing Jordan last week.
As for Lowe, this will be the second game in a row he’s out. His replacement last week was rookie Caedan Wallace (knee), who is also listed as questionable for this game. Based on practice this week it looks like waiver claim Demontrey Jacobs might get the start at left tackle after making his NFL debut last week. Wallace could be active in case Jacobs can’t hold up, like Lowe did for Chuks Okorafor in the season opener.
The Patriots also have three defensive players listed on the injury report. Cornerback Alex Austin (ankle) has been ruled out, while linebacker Anfernee Jennings (shoulder) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle) are both questionable. Tight end Hunter Henry, guard Mike Onwenu, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and safety Jabrill Peppers were all removed from the injury report on Friday.
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For the 49ers, questions about key offensive players will linger into the game. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) is questionable. So it left tackle Trent Williams (illness, toe), who took part in practice Wednesday and Thursday due to an illness, but didn’t practice on Friday and had a toe injury added to the report.
On defense, safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) was added to the report on Friday after not practicing. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (foot) and and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) are also questionable. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) and linebacker Curtis Robinson (knee) are both out.
The Niners did get some clarity of a few players. Quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing were all removed from the injury report.
