Update on Vederian Lowe's injury: Why Patriots OT is missing from practice

The New England Patriots' offensive line suffered another setback on Wednesday when Vederian Lowe, who had been the top left tackle for most of training camp, was forced to leave practice due to an apparent injury. However, the 25-year-old appears to have avoided major damage.

Lowe is dealing with an oblique injury, according to a report by Christopher Price of the Boston Globe. The injury is considered “minor” and is not expected to be a long-term problem.

Lowe, who filled his usual role as starting left tackle at Wednesday's practice, went to the infirmary during the first 11-on-11 period of the session. He eventually left practice entirely and was unable to participate on Thursday either; while he was present, he watched practice from the sidelines.

In his place, the Patriots originally drafted third-round rookie Caedan Wallace. On Thursday, Chukwuma Okorafor moved over from the right side, and the team chose Michael Onwenu as the new right tackle and Layden Robinson as the new right guard.

Lowe was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and originally came to New England via a trade in August of last year. Despite his late arrival, he started eight games at left and right tackle in his first season with the organization. However, he struggled as a run blocker and pass protector, finishing the year with 38 quarterback pressures, including six sacks, which was the most on the team.

Nevertheless, the Patriots stuck with the Illinois product in 2024. At the beginning of training camp, he was used as the best left tackle and kept that job until his injury.