There's a legitimate possibility the New England Patriots will start a fourth left tackle in as many games when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Demontrey Jacobs, who the Patriots claimed off the waiver wire after their 53-man roster crunch, could be tasked to face Niners edge rusher Nick Bosa. Jacobs was inactive during Weeks 1 and 2 before he received the gameday elevation in Week 3.
"He's a nightmare," Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters Thursday in reference to Bosa, per a team-provided video. "We have to make sure we don't let him ruin the game for us, he is that kind of player."
Jacobs was spotted with the starting offensive line during practice Thursday, according to the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Jacobs was alongside left guard Sidy Sow, center David Andrews, right guard Layden Robinson and right tackle Mike Onwenu during the open-to-media portion of practice.
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Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, who started the majority of the preseason and in Week 2, has not practiced due to a knee injury. Rookie Caedan Wallace, who started Week 3, was limited Wednesday after he suffered a knee injury. Chukwuma Okorafor, who started Week 1, no longer is with the team.
The Patriots have one of the league's worst offensive lines by pass-blocking metrics. Bosa, who routinely rushes on the side of the left tackle, is one of the top edge rushers in the league and has 12 pressures through three games.
Featured image via Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports Images
