Patriots Placing Rookie, David Andrews On Injured Reserve

The Patriots haven’t just been bitten by the injury bug, they’ve nearly been swallowed whole.

New England head coach Jerod Mayo announced a couple moves were coming Friday in response to its rash of injuries, with rookie Caedan Wallace and captain David Andrews both headed to injured reserve.

Andrews’ placement on the reserve list was only a matter of time, as NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier in the week the 32-year-old would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Wallace’s injury wasn’t as clear, though his ankle ailment clearly was enough to shelve him for the time being.

Wallace is expected to miss roughly six weeks, according to Rapoport. Mayo said there will be an opportunity for him to return this season, which is paramount as the club should try to continue developing him as a potential long-term option at tackle.

The Patriots already have done plenty of shuffling along the offensive line, with these two moves opening up the possibility for more names to be added to the growing list of starters this season.

Andrews’ replacement last week was Nick Leverett, who could be in line to make a start Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Bryan Hudson, a practice squad lineman who was brought in at the conclusion of training camp, is a candidate to be elevated to the active roster, as well. Wallace had been removed from the starting lineup following an ugly performance in Week 3 against the New York Jets, though he did appear as an extra blocker in Week 4. Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe are options to start at left tackle, while the other could take over that jumbo tight end role from Wallace.

New England currently has three open spots on the active roster, with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Sione Takitaki and linebacker/safety Marte Mapu all currently practicing with the intent to return from reserve lists.