Veteran Patriots offensive tackle shockingly leaves the team after one week

Mike Masala

Veteran Patriots offensive tackle shockingly leaves the team after one week image

On the day before they take on the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots announced a pair of roster moves, including their normal practice squad elevation.

However, New England also announced a surprising roster change, as offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor has left the team and has been placed on the exempt/left squad list.

The Patriots signed Okorafor to a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason to compete for the left tackle job. He was benched after just 12 snaps last Sunday in favor of Vederian Lowe.

According to The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed, Okorafor informed the team that he was leaving, unlike when quarterback Matt Corral left the team last season.

UPDATE: According to MassLive's Karen Guregian, Okorafor is considering if he still wants to play football.

On Sunday, New England will just have Vederian Lowe, Michael Onwenu, Caedan Wallace and Demontrey Jacobs as their tackles. They'll also only have 52 players on their active roster this week (plus Jordan). It wouldn't be shocking to see them sign Jordan to the active roster next week.

MORE PATRIOTS NEWS

Patriots rule out 1, list 4 as questionable

Patriots listed as a landing spot for former first-round WR

What New England needs to do to beat Seattle in Week 2

4 things to know about Patriots-Seahawks

Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala