Patriots Sign Andrew Rupcich and Jacob Rizy to Practice Squad

The New England Patriots are signing Andrew Rupcich and Jacob Rizy to the practice squad after three starting offensive linemen were hurt in Sunday's 26-19 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced the moves on Monday morning in Foxborough. The signings come on a short week before the New England Patriots travel to face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.



Why did the Patriots need offensive line help so fast?


The New England Patriots lost three starters against the New York Jets. Right tackle Morgan Moses left with an ankle injury, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker left with a hamstring injury, and right guard Ben Brown left with a knee injury in the third quarter.


Only left tackle Will Campbell and center Jared Wilson finished among the Patriots' starting five. Caleb Lomu, Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse replaced the injured starters, leaving no healthy guards on the bench.


The Patriots still needed more depth for Thursday, which is why the andrew rupcich patriots signing happened less than 24 hours after the final whistle.





Who are Andrew Rupcich and Jacob Rizy?


Andrew Rupcich is a 27-year-old center and guard who first played for Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans. Rupcich signed with Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2022, joined the New England Patriots practice squad in September 2025, and signed a reserve and futures contract after last season.


Rupcich was in line for a top backup role this summer before he was hurt in the preseason. The Patriots waived him on August 20 with an injury settlement, and he is now healthy enough to return.


Jacob Rizy is a 24-year-old interior lineman from Westport, Connecticut, who played at Harvard and Florida State. Rizy spent the summer with the Patriots, played in all three preseason games at center, and was on the practice squad in September before his release in mid-September.


Because both players already know the Patriots playbook, the jacob rizy patriots practice squad return and the Rupcich signing require almost no learning time. Vrabel said of the pair, "Guys that have been here previously to help us here as we move forward," and added, "I would say that we have to stay pretty fluid."





What does the Patriots offensive line depth chart look like now?


Rupcich and Rizy join Jake Kubas and Xavier Newman-Johnson as offensive linemen on the Patriots practice squad. The patriots offensive line depth chart for Thursday in Chicago depends on the health of Morgan Moses, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown. Vrabel did not rule any of the three out on Monday, but a short week makes a return harder for players who could not finish Sunday's game against the Jets.


If Moses, Vera-Tucker or Brown cannot play in Chicago, Lomu, Pryor and Rouse are next in line from the active roster. Rupcich and Rizy give emergency cover at guard and center.


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What is next for the Patriots before the Bears game?


The New England Patriots are 4-2 after three straight wins, including the 26-19 win over the New York Jets. The Patriots travel to Chicago to play Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, with only three full days between games.


Injury updates on Tuesday and Wednesday will decide whether Rupcich or Rizy must be elevated. Even if neither is elevated, both protect Drake Maye if the injury list grows.


FAQ


Will Andrew Rupcich or Jacob Rizy play against the Bears?

Neither Andrew Rupcich nor Jacob Rizy is guaranteed to play against the Chicago Bears. Both linemen were signed to the Patriots practice squad, and either player would need to be elevated to the game-day roster before Thursday night.


Which Patriots offensive linemen were hurt against the Jets?

Morgan Moses hurt his ankle, Alijah Vera-Tucker hurt his hamstring, and Ben Brown hurt his knee against the New York Jets. Will Campbell and Jared Wilson were the only Patriots starters to finish the game.


When do the Patriots play the Chicago Bears?

The New England Patriots play the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in Chicago. The game comes four days after the Patriots beat the New York Jets 26-19 at Gillette Stadium.


Sources:

https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2026/10/19/patriots-bring-offensive-line-reinforcements-week-6-injuries/92330429007/

https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/141324/patriots-sign-offensive-lineman-injuries

https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi/patriots-sign-pair-of-familiar-ol-following-injuries

Location: Boston, MA, USA

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