Patriots activate Caedan Wallace from IR, shut down Marcus Jones for the year
New England placed Jones on IR Friday, ending his season.
The Patriots will be getting one long awaited return to their offensive line, while losing one of their most explosive players for the rest of the season.
Rookie tackle Caedan Wallace has been activated off the injured reserve list and will be on New England’s 53-man roster for the final two games of the season. To make room for Wallace, the Patriots placed Marcus Jones on IR, ending his 2024 season.
Wallace played in New England’s first four games in various roles, taking over as the team’s starting left tackle in the fourth and final game he played. Wallace suffered the injury in that contest against the San Fransisco 49ers and hasn’t played a game since.
Though his activation doesn’t guarantee Wallace will play in the Patriots’ final two games of the year, it’s a good sign at the very least. Jerod Mayo and co. were cautious in not bringing Wallace back before he was ready to play games.
Wallace will be a name to watch on Saturday, provided he can play against the Los Angeles Chargers. New England would likely use him as a right tackle, especially given Demontrey Jacobs’s struggles versus the Bills last week. The Chargers will be playing all their stars with a spot in the playoffs guaranteed with a win on Saturday.
The Bills, on the other hand, might be resting their stars in Week 18 in the likely event they have nothing to play for. Therefore, Saturday would be the best opportunity to see what Wallace can bring as a right tackle against stiff competition.
Given how many needs New England will have to address in the offseason, Wallace being able to claim a consistent role on the offensive line would provide a bit of relief.
Jones put together a strong 2024 season as a cover corner and punt return specialist, but a hip injury held him out of Week 16 and now will end his season.
Receiver Alex Erickson, who was utilized as a return man last week in Jones’s absence, has been elevated from the practice squad again and will likely assist in that capacity again for the final two games.
Patriots-Chargers kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
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