After cutting ties with the disappointing Caedan Wallace earlier in the week, the New England Patriots entered their preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts with precious little depth at guard.
In fact, heading into that matchup, you could argue the interior offensive line depth behind the projected starting trio of Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, and Mike Onwenu was the biggest question mark for a roster that looks far more complete than it did a year ago.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, whatever depth existed essentially went up in smoke against the Colts.
And with time running out until Drake Maye and Co. try to exact revenge against the reigning Super Bowl champions in Seattle, a glaring roster problem has officially gone from bad to worse. That means it's time for Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel to get creative to find a solution.
Injuries continue to take a toll along the interior of the Patriots' offensive line
It didn't take long for the Patriots to suffer another blow to their razor-thin interior offensive line. Backup Andrew Rupcich left the first half of the Colts game with a lower-body injury. Although he's by no means a household name (or someone you really want to see on the field), Rupcich looked primed to be a top backup behind Vera-Tucker and Onwenu.
Instead, he looks more likely to not put on a Patriots uniform than see the field at all.
On Aug. 15, the team placed Rupcich on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2026 campaign. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Rupcich has a strained MCL that doesn't require surgery.
"He could play this season for the Patriots if an injury settlement is reached," Reiss tweeted on Monday, Aug. 17.
To make matters worse, New England also lost backup center/guard Ben Brown to an injury against the Colts. While the versatile veteran avoided landing on IR, he won't be back anytime soon.
"Ben is going to be a few weeks,” head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters ahead of Saturday's practice. “Four-to-six, eight, 10, 12. Even numbers. But it will probably be extensive throughout the rest of the preseason for sure.”
Brown appeared in all 17 games last season, including four starts. He was essentially the only proven commodity on the bench, so losing him for an extended stretch means the front office must be proactive about rebuilding much-needed depth before Week 1.
Who could be on the Patriots' radar?
On the same day they placed Rupcich on IR, the Patriots signed Darrian Dalcourt and Joe Michalski. Needless to say, neither player moves the needle much, but at least it's a start.
Dalcourt went undrafted out of the University of Alabama in 2024 and has bounced around between the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns. So far, though, he's been a practice-squad player.
Meanwhile, Michalski went undrafted in 2025 following a lengthy career at Oklahoma State University, where he played in 59 games (35 starts). He signed with the Denver Broncos after the draft but has yet to appear in an NFL game.
At this point, the Patriots truly need bodies to fill out their depth chart. But given Brown's value as a backup center and guard, the team would be wise to look for someone with a higher ceiling than either of the two former UDFAs.
The team recently worked out veteran Greg Van Roten, who has 11 seasons under his belt, and ultimately signed him Monday evening. Similarly, former Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler remains unsigned. Both veterans are clearly on the back end of their careers, but either would fit well as a stopgap solution.
At center, the pickings are particularly slim.
Veteran James Daniels has yet to find a new home after getting released by the Miami Dolphins in February. Injuries have taken a toll on the veteran center, but he may be worth checking in on as a low-cost depth piece who can help tutor Jared Wilson.
Ultimately, though, the Patriots are in a precarious position given their lack of depth at guard and center and the lack of noteworthy options on the free-agent market.
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