One Patriots Position Battle Just Took an Interesting Turn

Butler doesn't have any game experience, though, as he was a practice squad player in spurts last season. That's why the team has leaned on a free agent signing to help plug the gap.

James Hudson, the veteran who's played 60 games in his NFL career, has taken over at right guard with the backups. He opened the summer as a tackle, even getting first team snaps. But Wallace's injury and a clear lack of consistent depth forced a position change.

"We're Just Looking To Find The Best Combination"

He's spent this week working at solely guard, warming up at the position before taking snaps during team drills next to the center.

"I mean, I think that there’s — whether we have injuries or things, but I think that guys are working in there," head coach Mike Vrabel said before Tuesday's practice. "James is getting some reps inside there, and there will be a time where you guys will see Caleb (Lomu) work in there. So, we’re just looking to find the best combination of guys for the season.

Lomu got some work at guard during the spring practices. Being a backup is likely how the Patriots' first round rookie will get playing time anyway this year, as his role to the starting lineup at tackle is a bit murky.

For now, the Patriots' guard depth is as follows: Onwenu, Vera-Tucker, Brown, Rupcich, Hudson, Wallace, Butler, Lomu (once we see him get some run in training camp), and rookies JonDarius Morgan and Jacob Rizy (who's primarily a center). It's a fine group for camp right now, and a unit of Onwenu/Vera-Tucker/Brown/Rupcich should hold down the fort in the regular season.

It just feels like another injury in camp or at the start of the season could really put the offensive guard position in a bind. Yes, we can rehash the "move Will Campbell to guard" argument if it comes to that, but he's been playing at a high level to open up his sophomore season and a change of scenery for him isn't really needed.

The Patriots haven't totally ignored trying to add. They recently worked out Jared Penning -- who played college ball at Northern Iowa and had a stint with the Baltimore Ravens -- before going in another direction with their open roster spot (they signed defensive tackle Casey Rogers).

For now, the Patriots have enough to get them through the summer and still be productive. But another injury like Wallace's and we could be headed for trouble.

"So, I think we’re okay," Vrabel said. "I think the depth could always be better at every position, just to continue to build competition and finding the right mix of guys that are going to help us for this year."