Patriots Shockingly Cut Disappointing Starter in Week 13
By Jovan Alford
After getting obliterated by the Miami Dolphins last week, the New England Patriots made a significant change on offense ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots released starting left guard Michael Jordan and claimed guard Lester Cotton off waivers from the Dolphins. This is a shocking move, given the Patriots' continuous struggles on the offensive line.
The Patriots have released starting LG Michael Jordan, who has played 87.7% of the snaps this season.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 26, 2024
In his place, they have claimed guard Lester Cotton (6-4, 325) on waivers from the Dolphins.
Jordan has played 87.7 percent of snaps this season, which is nothing to dismiss. However, the Patriots might have a plan to remedy the issue at left guard. Reiss points out that rookie Layden Robinson has been getting more work at left guard during practice, which could get him back into the starting lineup.
ANALYSIS: With Michael Jordan waived, and rookie Layden Robinson (fourth round, Texas A&M) getting more work at left guard in practice, this could be the opening to get Robinson back into the starting lineup. Cole Strange has been working at C at this point, but also in LG mix. https://t.co/OXZ5hjMpSk
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 26, 2024
The Patriots beat writer also mentions veteran offensive lineman Cole Strange, who has been working at center but could be in the mix at left guard.
Jordan struggled mightily this season as he had a mediocre PFF grade of 51.5 and ranked 75th out of 82 qualified guards. The 26-year-old lineman also allowed three sacks and 23 pressures.
The Patriots hope Robinson or Strange could be an upgrade at left guard, but do not count out Cotton. The 28-year-old lineman has some NFL experience, appearing in 44 games with nine starts.
New England hasn’t been shy about throwing recently signed offensive linemen into the fire this season.
Earlier this season, the Patriots signed Ben Brown off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad and started him later that week at center against the Houston Texans. Much to the delight of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, Brown played well in his Pats’ debut.
The Patriots will hope for a similar situation this weekend against the Colts.
More Patriots news and analysis:
feed