Patriots rookies Javon Baker, Caedan Wallace ruled out vs. Cardinals Sunday
Wallace is working his way back from IR, but isn't ready to return to game action yet.
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Jerod Mayo plans on using the final weeks of the season to assess the current Patriots roster and see where the biggest improvements need to be made.
While the first-year coach specified rookies he’ll be keeping a close eye on, a pair of young offensive players will not be available for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Receiver Javon Baker and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace were both ruled out on New England’s injury report in what could have been a pivotal week for both rookies.
Wallace was one of the Patriots’ options at left tackle early in the season, but is poised to see some game action at right tackle when he returns from the injured reserve list. Right tackle was Wallace’s natural position in college, but that role was occupied by Mike Onwenu at the beginning of the year.
Now with Onwenu returning to right guard, an avenue would seemingly be open for Wallace to play on the right side once again. However, Mayo and New England will have to wait at least another week before getting a look at Wallace at right tackle, if that is the plan for the rookie.
“I think he [Wallace] needs a little bit more time,” Mayo told reporters on Friday, prior to the release of the injury report.
Baker was revealed to be in concussion protocol when the Patriots returned to practice following the bye week. He was unable to practice this week and thus hasn’t cleared the protocol.
The loss of Baker comes at an unfortunate time for both himself and New England. The Patriots waived fellow wideout K.J. Osborn this week, which freed up more snaps for the other New England pass-catchers. Baker, who struggled to catch on as a mainstay in the offense, could be a beneficiary of some extra snaps as he aims to end his rookie campaign on a higher note than how it started.
Below is the full Patriots injury report:
Out
- WR Javon Baker (concussion)
- DT Jaquelin Roy (foot)
- OT Caedan Wallace (ankle)
Questionable
- DT Christian Barmore (not injury related — other)
- S Kyle Dugger (ankle)
- CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder)
- OT Vederian Lowe (shoulder)
- OL Cole Strange (knee)
Kickoff for Patriots-Cardinals is set for 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time in Arizona.
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