Caleb Lomu playing time drew attention after the New England Patriots’ 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with head coach Mike Vrabel saying he elected to give the rookie snaps late in the game because he did not expect a comeback. Boston.com reporter Khari A. Thompson first detailed Vrabel’s explanation following the loss.
Down by multiple scores in the third quarter, New England replaced starting right tackle Morgan Moses with rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu. Vrabel framed the move as an opportunity to get the young lineman more real-game work amid recent injuries to the offensive line.
What Vrabel actually said about Lomu and the decision
Vrabel’s account to reporters was blunt and cautious. He said, “I didn’t think we were going to come back and win the game, as much as I wished that we were, I didn’t think that we were. So, I made a decision.”
He added, “I just made a decision, you know what I mean?” and later reiterated the context: “I didn’t have a chance to watch the tape, but it was ‘let’s get Caleb some reps’. We were down however much we were down. That was just me making a decision.”
Vrabel also tempered any immediate roster conclusions about the starter he removed, saying Moses’s job “is not in jeopardy as far as he is aware.” That phrasing highlights the coach’s account and the uncertain nature of roster projections after a single substitution.
How injuries reshaped the Patriots’ offensive-line depth
The Patriots’ decision to activate Lomu into game duty was influenced by injury disruptions to the unit. Starting tackle Mike Onwenu has been placed on injured reserve with a broken ankle, creating a clearer need for depth along the line.
During the Patriots’ most recent outing, reserve interior lineman Greg Van Roten left the game early with a thigh injury and was replaced by Walter Rouse. Those developments increased the utility of having a rookie who practiced multiple front-five roles available to step in.
Vrabel has previously said the team considered using Lomu at guard and that he worked at both tackle spots and as a jumbo tight end during training camp. The on-field move against Jacksonville was Lomu’s most prominent live opportunity so far.
Caleb Lomu playing time: recent snaps and role
The table above captures verified counts and the current gap in official snap accounting for the Jacksonville game. Lomu’s season-to-date offensive snaps remain limited, but the Jacksonville substitution is a sign the coaching staff is comfortable using him in live NFL action when the situation allows.
What this means for Morgan Moses and Patriots roster depth
Vrabel’s comments were deliberate in avoiding a definitive pronouncement about Moses’ status. He said Moses’ starting job “is not in jeopardy as far as he is aware,” language that both defends the veteran starter and acknowledges that circumstances can change.
In practical terms, the move signals two things: first, the Patriots are willing to get their rookie first-round pick reps in low-leverage moments; second, the offensive-line picture is fluid because of injuries to Onwenu and the in-game loss of Van Roten.
Roster depth on the line now matters more week to week. Lomu’s usage should be tracked as part of the team’s plan to manage minutes and test the rookie’s readiness for larger roles if injuries or performance issues arise.
What to watch next: the trip to Buffalo
The Patriots head to Buffalo next week for a divisional matchup, and the offensive-line injury report will shape whether Lomu sees more snaps. Vrabel emphasized a day-to-day approach, saying, “I think it’s one day at a time, it’s what we can do to get healthy and improve as a football team.”
Patriots reporters and fans should monitor the official injury reports, practice participation notes, and the updated snap counts once game charting is finalized. Those items will provide clearer evidence on whether Sunday’s substitution was a one-off opportunity or part of a growing role for Lomu.
Source attribution and next update
This article is grounded in reporting from Boston.com and comments relayed by reporter Khari A. Thompson. We will update this story with the official Patriots game charting for snap counts and any injury-report confirmations from team releases or the NFL’s official reports.
Source: Boston.com — Khari A. Thompson, Sept. 27, 2026. PatriotsReport will add official snap-chart numbers and roster updates as they become available.
