Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots

As the New England Patriots push through the final months of the NFL season, their offensive line has become a focal point of adaptation—forced to make significant adjustments after a wave of injuries sidelined key starters. Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots isn’t just a story of filling gaps; it’s a test of the team’s depth, coaching ingenuity, and ability to maintain consistency when one of football’s most critical units is disrupted. With three starting linemen sidelined by knee and ankle injuries, the Patriots have had to shuffle their lineup, convert players to new positions, and lean on rookies and practice-squad call-ups—all while trying to protect quarterback Mac Jones and keep the running game on track. For a franchise known for its ability to win with discipline and adaptability, these adjustments are a true reflection of its core identity.

Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots began in Week 11, when starting left tackle Trent Brown suffered a knee sprain during a win over the Indianapolis Colts. Brown, a 6-foot-8, 380-pound veteran, had been a anchor for the Patriots’ line all season, allowing just one sack in his first 10 starts. His injury was followed by setbacks to center David Andrews (ankle) and right guard Mike Onwenu (hamstring) in the next two weeks, leaving the Patriots with only two healthy starters: left guard Cole Strange and right tackle Isaiah Wynn. The sudden wave of injuries forced offensive line coach Adrian Klemm to rethink his entire approach, as the Patriots’ original lineup—built for size and experience—was no longer an option. “Injuries are part of the game, but losing three starters in three weeks is a challenge,” Klemm said in a team meeting. “We’re not going to make excuses. We’re going to find a way to get the job done.”

Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots have centered on two key strategies: position conversions and practice-squad promotions. To replace Brown at left tackle, the Patriots shifted Wynn—who had spent his entire career at right tackle—to the left side, a move that required him to adjust his footwork and blocking technique (left tackles typically protect a quarterback’s blind side, requiring different angles than right tackles). For Andrews’ center spot, the team called up practice-squad lineman James Ferentz—David Andrews’ backup since 2020—who had played in just 12 games in his four-year NFL career. To fill Onwenu’s guard position, the Patriots moved Strange from left guard to right guard and promoted rookie guard Sidy Sow from the practice squad to left guard. Sow, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had spent most of the season learning from veterans but had yet to see significant game action. “It’s a lot to ask of these guys, but they’ve stepped up,” Klemm said. “Wynn has worked extra hours to master left tackle, Ferentz knows our system inside out, and Sow has picked things up faster than we could have hoped.”

Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots have had mixed results on the field, but the team has managed to avoid a complete collapse. In their first game with the new lineup—a Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos—the Patriots allowed three sacks but still rushed for 120 yards, with running back Rhamondre Stevenson finding holes created by the adjusted line. Jones, while pressured more than usual, completed 65% of his passes and avoided turnovers, a sign that he’s adapting to the new protection. The real test came in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, a team with one of the NFL’s top pass rushes. The Patriots’ line allowed just one sack and helped the team rush for 145 yards, securing a 20-17 win. “We’re not perfect, but we’re getting better,” Jones said after the Bills game. “The line is communicating more, and they’re starting to gel as a unit. That’s all you can ask for when you’re dealing with so many changes.” For the New England Patriots, the ability to compete against a top defense with an adjusted line is a small victory—proof that their depth and coaching can overcome even significant injuries.

Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots have also highlighted the importance of preparation and practice. In the weeks since the injuries, the Patriots have added extra practice time for the offensive line, focusing on communication drills (critical for a shuffled unit) and situational blocking (like short-yardage and red-zone plays). Klemm has also brought in former Patriots linemen, including Hall of Famer Matt Light, to work with Wynn and Sow on technique, drawing on the franchise’s history of offensive line excellence. “Preparation is key here,” Light said during a recent practice. “These guys don’t have the luxury of months to build chemistry, so they have to use every practice rep to get on the same page. That’s how the Patriots have always done it.” The extra work has paid off in small ways: Ferentz has improved his snap accuracy (a critical skill for centers), and Sow has reduced his penalty count from two in his first start to zero in his last two. For the New England Patriots, these small improvements add up—turning a makeshift line into a functional one that can keep the offense moving.

Offensive Line Adjustments Made Amid Injuries for the New England Patriots are far from over, as the team waits for updates on Brown, Andrews, and Onwenu’s recoveries. While Andrews is expected to return in Week 16, Brown and Onwenu may be out until the playoffs (if the Patriots qualify), meaning the adjusted line will have to hold steady for at least three more games. The team has also added insurance, signing veteran guard Shaq Mason—who played for the Patriots from 2015 to 2021—to the practice squad, giving them another experienced option if needed. For the Patriots, the goal now is to build consistency with the current lineup, turning temporary adjustments into long-term reliability. “We’re not looking at this as a ‘fill-in’ situation anymore,” Klemm said. “This is our line, and we’re going to make the most of it. Every guy out there has earned his spot, and we’re going to keep fighting.” For the New England Patriots and their fans, these adjustments are a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about having talent—it’s about having the grit to adapt when talent is sidelined. As the season enters its final stretch, the Patriots’ offensive line may not be the one they planned on, but it’s the one they have—and they’re determined to make it work.