Reason for optimism on Patriots' O-line
Injuries are a part of the game of football. As is working the wires to find someone to fill in and provide depth on short notice.
According to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, the Patriots have added former Arizona Cardinal and Pittsburgh Steeler Manny Jones to their practice squad. Jones,a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman who played his college ball at Colorado State, might be in line to take the place of Daniel Ekuale, an effective situational lineman who suffered a torn biceps in Sunday’s win at the New York Jets and was subsequently placed on IR.
When asked about what Ekuale, a six-year veteran who was in his third season with the Pats, being lost for the season might mean for the team, coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday morning, “Good rotational player for us. Played on all three downs. Unfortunate. We'll miss him.”
He later added when asked about replacing him, “I wouldn't say there's a lot of Hall of Fame defensive linemen out there walking around. ... We'll manage the position the best we can.”
Can’t see Jones with all of his six pro tackles making his way to Canton anytime soon, but he and the team will manage and do the best they can. With defensive lineman Davon Godchaux nursing an injury from Sunday's game as well, Jones could be in line for a game day elevation Sunday when the Patriots take on the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.