FOXBOROUGH – The patriots the offensive line is about to get a boost.
on Monday, Caedan Wallace returned to practice for the first time since being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The rookie tackle suffered the injury in Week 4 and spent the last 10 weeks rehabbing and mentally preparing to help the patriots.
Now, the third-round pick returns at a time when he could factor into the team’s right tackle position as early as this weekend in Arizona.
“Very excited. It’s been a long journey. I’m glad I was able to come back and come back later,” Wallace told MassLive on Monday. “I definitely wanted to come back and I was optimistic that I could come back, but I knew I had to work hard. I really focused on my treatment and my recovery these days last few weeks and I’m ready to go.”
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With four games left in the 2024 regular season, the Patriots need to see what Wallace can do. If he plays well, he could be a long-term answer in New England.
Drafted 68th overall, Wallace began the season as the Patriots’ top swing tackle. He appeared in the team’s first four games, playing 70 offensive snaps. That included a start at left tackle in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
Although Wallace split his time between left tackle (40 snaps) and eligible tight end (30 snaps), there’s a realistic chance he could play right tackle over the final four weeks.
Vederian Lowe is locked in at the left tackle position. On the right, Demontrey Jacobs has been the starter, but has had some struggles over the past few games. That’s where Wallace might take note. At Penn State, Wallace started all 40 games of his college career at right tackle.
“Yeah, super comfortable. This is like home for me,” Wallace said of the right tackle. “I’m excited to go out today and come back later.”
At 6-foot-5 and 341 pounds, Wallace has exceptional size for the tackle position. Inside Gillette Stadium, he impresses with his football IQ to go along with his athleticism.
While on injured reserve, Wallace kept up with the Patriots’ playbook and new play calls. He said he gained a new perspective on the game and said he’s in a great place mentally.
“Honestly, just keeping up with the playbook and the new facilities. And getting deeper into film. Trying to make up for the part where I’m not in training camp,” Wallace said. “I’d say I’m definitely more caught up in certain plays which confused me a little more being a young rookie. I was able to step back and get more perspective on the playbook.”