Patriots activate rookie tackle for Chargers game
The New England Patriots will be getting rookie tackle Caedan Wallace back from IR for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ahead of their Saturday matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots made a series of roster moves on Friday. That included activating rookie tackle Caedan Wallace from IR.
Wallace, 24, was the Patriots’ third-round pick back in the spring. He played in the first four games of the season – including one start at left tackle – before suffering an ankle injury and going on IR.
While Wallace played left tackle earlier this year he was a primary right tackle in college, and could return to that position this week. Demontery Jacobs has started in that spot since early this season but struggled the past few weeks, including allowing five pressures while committing two penalties last week against the Bills.
A change at starting right tackle may not be the only change to the Patriots’ offensive line against the Chargers. As part of announcing the roster moves the Patriots announced starting center Ben Brown has been downgraded to out as he deals with a concussion, after initially being listed as questionable. With that, Cole Strange should be in line to make his first start of the season after coming off IR two weeks ago.
In addition to activating Wallace from IR, the Patriots placed cornerback Marcus Jones on IR with a hip injury. That move officially ends Jones’ season after 14 games. Jones was second on the team with 10 pass breakups this year, and his 14.8 yards per punt return ranks third in the NFL through 16 weeks.
The Patriots also announced the elevation of two players from the practice squad – wide receiver Alex Erickson and linebacker Monty Rice. Erickson filled in for Jones as the team’s kick and punt returner when Jones was out last week.
