New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is not ruling out playing rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at guard as the team deals with a wave of injuries at the position.
Speaking prior to the team’s training camp practice on Monday, Vrabel stated that the team is considering playing Lomu at guard to help provide depth in the interior.
“Certainly could,” Vrabel said. “I think, what happens is, where do you feel like he can make the most strides. And you don’t want to derail the improvement that he’s making… I think Caleb’s been working hard. He’s been trying to improve. But I think at some point, we’ll need to do that as well.”
The Patriots placed backup guard Andrew Rupcich on IR with a strained MCL on Saturday. The Patriots also lost Ben Brown for multiple weeks to a leg injury in their 13-13 preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, which has thinned the depth at the guard position before the start of the season.
Lomu is currently positioned as the team’s backup left tackle behind Will Campbell. The 21-year-old is now in consideration to play behind left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and right guard Mike Onwenu moving forward.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel open to rookie trying new position with injuries mounting
