New England offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Justin Herron left Sunday’s Patriots-49ers game in the second half with ankle injuries and didn’t return.
Thuney, who committed his first penalty since 2018 shortly before the injury, was slow to get up after a play in the third quarter. He initially went to the blue medical tent, then eventually he had to head back to the locker room.
The 27-year-old left guard, who has been one of the Patriots’ most consistent players all year, had played every offensive snap this season. He was officially listed as questionable but didn’t re-enter.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Thuney suffered a low-ankle sprain that’s “believed to be minor.”
#Patriots LG Joe Thuney suffered a low-ankle sprain that’s believed to be minor, source said. Good news for the franchise-tag player who got rolled up against the #49ers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2020
In Thuney’s absence, Michael Onwenu shifted to left guard and Justin Herron entered at right tackle.
Herron, a rookie, then left with an ankle injury of his own and didn’t return. A new offensive line combination of Isaiah Wynn, Hjalte Froholdt, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, and Onwenu emerged in the fourth quarter.
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