On Tuesday afternoon, New England parted ways with starting left guard Michael Jordan and claimed guard Lester Cotton off waivers from the Dolphins. Jordan, who had been a mainstay on the offensive line, had started 11 games this season. Only Michael Onwenu had logged more snaps for the Patriots offense. However, Jordan’s performance had sharply declined in recent weeks, with his struggles to handle defensive line stunts in pass protection becoming a recurring issue.
With Jordan now waived, the Patriots may turn to fourth-round pick Layden Robinson or reintegrate Cole Strange into the lineup. Robinson is the more probable option for this weekend, as Strange continues to recover from a torn patellar tendon and has been transitioning to a center role. Robinson, who began the season at right guard, has been getting reps at both guard positions in practice, according to offensive line coach Scott Peters.
“If you’re not in the starting lineup, you have to be versatile,” Peters explained. “For Layden, as a rookie, the focus is to help him develop in one position, but if he’s active for the game, he has to be ready to play multiple spots. He’s been working at left guard and improving.”
Cotton, a 28-year-old veteran, brings 43 NFL games and nine starts to the table. An undrafted free agent from Alabama in 2019, Cotton stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 330 pounds. He spent his first three seasons with the Raiders before joining the Dolphins. Last season, he played in all 17 games for Miami, starting eight, though he has seen limited action this year and was released earlier this week.
When asked about potential changes to the offensive line after a tough performance in Miami, Jerod Mayo acknowledged the need for adjustments. “That’s a fair question,” he said. “We’ve emphasized building continuity up front all season, letting the line grow together, as well as with the quarterback and receivers. That’s been my approach.”
It remains to be seen whether Jordan will be the only starter absent for the Week 13 matchup with the Colts. Right tackle Demontrey Jacobs was benched in favor of Sidy Sow against Miami, while left tackle Vederian Lowe struggled with four penalties and a strip sack.
