NFL

Will Vederian Lowe, Sidy Sow, and Michael Jordan play for the Patriots against the 49ers? O-line injury status

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Sep 30, 2024 / 5822 Views

Evan Walker

As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers (kickoff Sunday, September 28, at 4:05 p.m. ET), the focus shifts to their injury-riddled offensive line. The Pats have a number of key players sidelined, and will face a challenging task in keeping their quarterback protected against a formidable 49ers pass rush led by Nick Bosa.

Jordan and Lowe out for the Pats

Heading into Sunday’s Game at Levi’s Stadium, New England has already ruled out offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) and guard Michael Jordan (ankle) leaving the Patriots scrambling for solutions against San Francisco’s aggressive front four. Jordan, who has been decent in the first three Games of the season, is a significant loss. He allowed just one sack and four pressures, yet his absence opens the door for a reshuffling of the Patriots’ offensive line.

Lowe’s knee injury leaves a gap at left tackle, further complicating the situation. The Patriots had originally planned to start Lowe, who was slated to anchor the left side after filling in during Week 1. However, his injury and now-out status create a gap that the team has yet to fill definitively.

Sow questionable for 49ers game

Canadian guard Sidy Sow is questionable with an ankle issue, but the sense from the Pats is that he will likely be fit. Sow impressed during his rookie season as a powerful run blocker, and the Patriots hope he can bring that strength back to the lineup this week. Sow’s ability to move defenders at the line of scrimmage has been one of the highlights of New England’s gap-scheme offense, and his presence would bolster what is now a vulnerable left side.

Who could play in the Pats’ offensive line?

In place of the injured Lowe, waiver-wire pickup Trey Jacobs looks likely to step into the starting left tackle role. Jacobs, who was signed by the Patriots after being waived by the Broncos, is expected to face his toughest test yet against the 49ers’ pass rush, which ranks 12th in pressure rate this season (33.7%). Although Jacobs allowed a sack in just 11 pass-blocking snaps last week against the Jets, his preseason performance with the Broncos suggests he has the potential to hold his own. With an 8.38 relative athletic score (RAS) at his Pro Day, Jacobs has shown flashes of promise, particularly in run-blocking schemes.

The left side will be critical for the Patriots, who have struggled in pass protection. New England ranks last in pass-block win rate, with Jacoby Brissett facing a league-high pressure rate of 46.4% on his drop-backs. The 49ers, known for their ability to create pressure with their four pass rushers, may take advantage of the Patriots’ makeshift offensive line. Expect the 49ers to test Jacobs and Sow early and often, much like the Jets did in Week 3.

In terms of potential depth, Caedan Wallace (knee) could be active but remains questionable. If Sow or Jacobs struggles early, Wallace could be called upon to step in as an emergency replacement.

The Patriots’ offensive line clearly enters Week 4 on shaky ground; Trey Jacobs will likely start at left tackle, while Sidy Sow is expected to slot in at left guard if Healthy. Regardless of who takes the field, protecting Brissett from Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ defensive front will be a tall order for this patched-up unit.