Patriots Likely Without Major Starter in Week 1 After Thursday's Practice

The New England Patriots are opening the 2024 NFL season in Cincinnati against a tough Bengals team. To keep up with a now-healthy Joe Burrow and their dynamic offense, the Patriots will have to put up some points on the board. Unfortunately, that may have just become more difficult with the latest injury news.

The Patriots have been dealing with offensive line issues all offseason. It is considered one of the weakest positional groups on the team and has contributed to the decision to start veteran Jacoby Brissett over prized rookie Drake Maye. The o-line situation may be even bleaker now after the reports from Thursday's practice.

Sidy Sow, who was projected to be the starter at left guard missed another practice with an ankle injury, putting his status for Sunday in jeopardy. Vederian Lowe, who was going to be the starter at left tackle, is dealing with an oblique injury and was a limited participant in practice once again.

Patriots News: LG Sidy Sow Misses Another Practice

Lowe could still play against the Bengals but it's hard to see Sow suiting up at this point. This complicates matters on the offensive end.

The Patriots had to move Chukwuma Okorafor to left tackle and shift Mike Onwenu from right guard to right tackle following these injuries. In Sow's potential absence, fourth-year offensive lineman Nick Leverett is expected to start at left guard. A former Buccaneer, Leverett didn't play a single defensive snap last year.

This understandably raises questions for the Patriots offense. With three days left until the season opener, New England is still searching for answers on the offensive line. This has the chance to sink the Patriots' season before it even kicks off.

The Patriots are massive +330 underdogs against the Bengals on FanDuel Sportsbook. If the offensive line isn't intact by Sunday, it will be difficult for Jerod Mayo to overcome these odds in his first game as a head coach.

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