The preseason finale against the Washington Commanders was a forgettable game for the New England Patriots’ offensive line. Not only did the group struggle with performance and operational issues, it also saw one of its starters go down in the second quarter.
Sidy Sow, who was set to enter the season as the Patriots’ starting left guard, remained on the ground after an incomplete pass. The second-year lineman left the game and was initially announced as questionable to return with an ankle injury; he was ruled out for the remainder of the contest a short time later.
The severity of the injury will be determined by further testing on Monday morning. What we do know is that Sow was wearing a walking boot after the game, as spotted by Christopher Price of the Boston Globe.
Sow, 26, originally joined the Patriots as a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Eastern Michigan product went on to start 13 games as a rookie — including the final 12 straight at the right guard position, playing 692 of a possible 716 offensive snaps over that span.
Despite his success at right guard, the Patriots moved him to the left side of the line this offseason. With incumbent starter Cole Strange still not cleared for practice after tearing his patellar tendon in December, the team decided that the sophomore would replace him.
Depending on Sow’s injury status, New England might be forced to make more adjustment along its battered offensive line heading into the regular season. The Patriots will play their first game on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 8.