{
  "id": 1583030,
  "title": "Will Patriots move their promising rookie tackle to guard to solve depth issues?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/will-patriots-move-their-promising-rookie-tackle-to-guard-to-solve",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T22:55:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-move-promising-rookie-tackle-184436412.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New England Patriots have faced a shortage of depth in their offensive line due to injuries to Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich. Brown is out for the season, while Rupcich is sidelined for the rest of training camp. This shortage has led the team to have a less-than-ideal backup guard/center situation. Jacob Rizy, a 2025 undrafted free agent, has replaced Rupcich, while Mehki Butler has taken Brown's place. James Hudson, a rookie who has primarily played as a tackle, is the remaining backup guard. Coach Mike Vrabel suggested that the team may consider moving Caleb Lomu, a rookie left tackle, to guard to address the depth issues. However, Vrabel noted that this could be a considerable change for the rookie, who has been focusing on improving his skills at both left and right tackle positions. The Patriots' backup offensive line struggled during drills, with more pressure coming from the backup and third-string players. The team could explore signing a veteran guard or center to improve their depth, but Vrabel emphasized the need to evaluate their younger linemen before making that decision.",
  "summary": "Depth issues have led to the Patriots becoming thin at guard and center. Could first-round pick Caleb Lomu be on the move?",
  "key_points": [
    "Patriots have depth issues in offensive line due to injuries.",
    "Jacob Rizy replaces Rupcich as backup guard.",
    "Coach Vrabel may move Caleb Lomu to guard to solve depth."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}