FOXBOROUGH, Mass — For the second straight week, the New England Patriots have had to turn to 2026 first-round pick Caleb Lomu due to injuries on the offensive line.
In last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, he stepped in for Will Campbell. This week, it was Morgan Moses who went down. But through it all, the rookie has stayed ready, prepared to jump in whether it's on the right or the left side to help his team in any way he can.
"We had a lot of injuries. Never want to see that, but unfortunately, it does happen in this game," Lomu told Patriots Wire during a one-on-one conversation after the win. "And so, throughout the week, just always preparing like a starter... When a guy goes down, the next guy's got to step up and play that role."
Lomu mainly played at left tackle during his college career, but was selected by the Patriots to be their right tackle of the future, considering Moses' age. So, he's continued to work at both spots throughout the summer and into the season.
"Obviously, the plays are switched, and then your techniques are switched as well. And so it takes a little bit," Lomu explained when asked about the difference between playing on the right versus the left. "I work at both during the week, all the time. So I'm always trying to stay prepared for whatever can happen. And so once I got out there, got the first rep, I was ready to go."
These continued opportunities are allowing Lomu's confidence to grow.
"Yeah, I've gotten a lot at both, so I'm very comfortable at both," he said. "So any opportunity that is given to me for left or right, I'm ready for it."
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Caleb Lomu embracing versatility as Patriots face more O-Line injuries