The New England Patriots have taken steps to bolster their offensive line as they prepare for their wild card playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. This decision comes in light of an illness affecting several players on the team.
To address their depth concerns, the Patriots have re-signed tackle Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. The 27-year-old originally joined the Patriots” scout team on September 30 and was released from the practice squad on December 23. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 308 pounds, Gutierrez entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Denver Broncos in May 2022. He has also spent time with various teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts, primarily in training camps or on practice squads.
Gutierrez made appearances in one game each for the Raiders in 2022 and for the 49ers in 2024 after being elevated from the practice squad. He participated in training camp with both the 49ers and the Browns during the past summer. His addition to the practice squad will provide the Patriots with much-needed depth as they navigate challenges on their active roster.
Currently, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and center Garrett Bradbury are sidelined due to illness as the team continues preparations for their playoff game. In a positive development, starting right tackle Morgan Moses has returned to practice, offering a glimmer of hope as the team deals with the illness affecting several players in the locker room.
Meanwhile, rookie left guard Jared Wilson participated in practice while wearing a red non-contact jersey. Wilson did not play in the Patriots” regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins. Throughout 13 games this season, the former Georgia Bulldogs player has been on the field for 785 offensive snaps, allowing four sacks, six hits, and 23 pressures.
To make room for Gutierrez, the Patriots released cornerback Miles Battle from the practice squad. Battle entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Chiefs in May 2024, hailing from Utah. He was initially released by Kansas City after training camp but signed with the Patriots” practice squad in October 2024. After being promoted to the 53-man roster on January 4, 2025, he made his NFL debut in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, recording two tackles and three passes defended.
Despite being released again by the Patriots at the end of training camp this past summer, Battle returned to the practice squad. The 25-year-old was elevated to the active roster for a game against Tennessee on October 19, where he contributed on special teams. He was subsequently signed to the 53-man roster on November 26 and played in five games, accumulating three total tackles. Battle was released from the 53-man roster on December 29 before rejoining the practice squad on January 1.
This strategic move highlights the Patriots” commitment to enhancing their roster as they gear up for a crucial playoff game against the Chargers.
