Moses, 35, joined the Patriots in 2025 after spending the prior season with the Jets. He had started 16 games for the Jets in 2021 before returning in 2024 for 14 starts at right tackle. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract with New England and started all 17 regular-season games plus four playoff contests in 2025, providing stability on the offensive line. He had been dealing with a foot injury entering Sunday’s game, and he was limited in practice during the week. Caleb Lomu, a rookie tackle, replaced Moses on the right side after Moses left the game.
Vera-Tucker’s injury carried additional significance given his Jets history. The No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Vera-Tucker spent five seasons with the Jets before signing with New England in March on a three-year, $42 million contract with $21 million guaranteed. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn triceps and had previously had shortened 2022 and 2023 campaigns because of injuries. He did start 15 games for the Patriots in 2024 before suffering a hamstring issue that resurfaced on Sunday.
The injuries added to an offensive-line depth challenge for New England. Starting left tackle Will Campbell had been recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier in the season, and although he was active against the Jets, the line depth was already taxed. Caleb Lomu had started at left tackle against the Jets after filling in for Campbell earlier in the season. The team also has versatile linemen such as Matt Pryor, Ben Brown, and Walter Rouse available, but Marcus Bryant remained on injured reserve and was not activated for the game. Drake Maye, the quarterback, could face a greater adjustment if additional backups are needed to suit the offensive line.
The Patriots will continue to monitor the status of Moses and Vera-Tucker as they evaluate next steps for their offensive-line rotation, with the goal of maintaining consistency and momentum for the team moving forward.
