The New England Patriots have officially lost one of their players for the 2024 season, as offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday.
Wheatley, 27, originally signed with the Chicago Bears following a collegiate career with both Michigan and Stony Brook. He also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns before the Browns traded him to New England for running back Pierre Strong.
The Patriots waived/injured Wheatley on Friday, and since he wasn't claimed by another team, he's reverted to New England's injured reserve. This doesn't mean he can't play again this season. If the injury isn't too serious, the two sides could reach an agreement on a settlement, and the player could become a free agent and be free to sign with any team in the league.
New England still has seven offensive tackles on their roster - Chukwuma Okorafor, Mike Onwenu, Calvin Anderson, Caedan Wallace, Vederian Lowe, Zuri Henry and Kellen Diesch. However, Onwenu has worked as a guard throughout the team's training camp thus far.
