FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots decided not to re-sign starting left tackle Trent Brown in NFL free agency, which opened the door for Isaiah Wynn to win the job entering his second season.
Wynn suffered an Achilles tear last August and missed the entire 2018 campaign. He's essentially still a rookie as the 2019 season approaches, and he's making good progress in his recovery.
The Georgia product got the start at left tackle (his second in as many weeks) in Thursday night's Week 3 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Wynn was on the field for 28 snaps and played well in protecting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's blindside.
"I think he's taken advantage of the opportunity," Brady said. "I think everyone expects him to be a high performer for our team. He's getting opportunities and he's going to have to take advantage of them. You know, nobody's out there playing perfect tonight. I'm sure we've all got a long way to go -- he does, so do I -- but we've got to get out there and practice and get a lot of guys back in there and find some rhythm."
It's going to take some time for Wynn to be fully back from his major injury, but the results from the preseason so far are encouraging. He was one of the highest-rated offensive tackles in the 2018 draft class and excelled for a Georgia team that advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2017.
The Patriots had one of the best offensive lines in the league last season, and Pro Football Focus rated it as the sixth-best unit entering the 2019 season.
Wynn's ability to make a strong impact in his first season of game action will go a long way in helping the Patriots keep Brady upright and continue the power-running success established during their run to a Super Bowl LIII title.
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