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Patriots Practice Squad Player Suddenly Expected to Start in Week 5

The New England Patriots will likely have a surprise starter against the Dolphins.

By Cem Yolbulan

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt checks his play card during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt checks his play card during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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It is only five weeks into the NFL season and the New England Patriots are already missing multiple key starters and it seems to be getting worse with each injury report. Key starters like Kyle Dugger and KJ Osborn missed Thursday's practice but the biggest problem remains the offensive line.

The team's long-time starting center David Andrews is scheduled to have surgery which will end his season. Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace didn't participate in the latest practice. Backup center Jake Andrews is already on the IR list and Cole Strange and Chuks Okorafor are currently not with the team.

As a result, Nick Leverett, who replaced David Andrews in Week 4 against San Francisco, was expected to take over at center for the rest of the season. According to Pats insider Doug Kyed, however, Leverett was also limited with an ankle injury.

This means that undrafted rookie Bryan Hudson is expected to get the start against the Dolphins on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt reportedly said that Hudson took all of the first-team reps in practice.

NFL News: Rookie C Bryan Hudson Expected to Start in Week 5

Bryan Hudson was signed to the practice squad in August. He was previously with the Detroit Lions after signing there after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was released by Detroit before the roster cutdown day and found his way to Foxborough.

If Hudson is to get the start on Sunday, it will be his NFL debut. In his collegiate career at Louisville, he has played all three positions on the offensive line. His versatility could come in handy for the Patriots who are short-handed across the frontline.

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