Vederian

Lowe

Hobbs’ one-off season with the Packers was derailed by a recurring knee injury. Hopefully, this isn’t the same issue. He currently projects as a second-stringer. 49ers backup OT Vederian Lowe left practice early with an apparent right ankle issue.

It raised some eyebrows when the 49ers agreed to terms with Lowe on Monday while Williams was reportedly available in trade talks. While it may yet wind up unfolding that way, The Athletic’s 49ers beats note that the 49ers have until March 20 to rework the deal — that’s when a $10 million option bonus is due. Lowe’s two-year, $12 million contract is a reasonable swing tackle deal if it comes to that.

The four-year veteran made 25 starts across 46 appearances for the Vikings and Patriots and now heads to San Francisco on a two-year deal. It is unclear whether the signing is preemptive in nature considering the ongoing contract negotiations between the team and Trent Williams, but Lowe should be viewed as a backup-level talent on the exterior offensive line. Lowe gets $5.75 million in guaranteed money.

Patriots OLB Anfernee Jennings (illness) and OT Morgan Moses (illness) resumed practicing in full. Patriots OT Vederian Lowe (illness) remained sidelined, and did DT Khyiris Tonga (foot). All ill players have a chance to play in the Patriots’ Wild Card Round game against the Chargers.

Bradbury joins OLB Anfernee Jennings, OT Vederian Lowe, and OT Morgan Moses as players out with illness on Wednesday. The only non-illness absence on the active roster for the Pats was DT Khyiris Tonga (foot). Sitting with illness this early in the week generally does not mean the players will miss the game, but it is certainly a situation to keep an eye on for the Pats’ offensive line heading into the Wild Card round against the Chargers. Tonga is a key run stuffer that will have a couple more chances to practice ahead of Sunday’s game.

The same is true of right guard Layden Robinson. Both players played last week and practiced in some capacity three times this week, meaning they should suit up on Sunday. Healthy or not, New England will continue to roll out a bottom-tier line in Week 10.

Zach Thomas — not that one — took over at left tackle for the Patriots. Lowe appeared to get rolled up on by a teammate at some point in the first half. A New England line that was already in rough shape at the start of the season has been besieged by injuries. The quick rule out does not augur well for Lowe’s short-term future.

The Patriots’ front-seven is down three starters at this point. It’s an unideal situation facing the 49ers’ vaunted rushing attack. The 49ers’ pass rush should also effectively generate pressure against the Patriots’ problematic offensive line.

Peppers popped up on the injury report late in the week, but will suit up against the Bengals in Week 1. All four of the Patriots listed as questionable will be active including Peppers, RB Antonio Gibson, OT Vederian Lowe and LB Josh Uche.

That’s back-to-back weeks where Brown has been listed as questionable, but the veteran tackle has played in each of the Patriots’ last five games and shouldn’t be at real risk of missing Week 8. Brown, along with starting RT Vederian Lowe (ankle) are both listed as questionable, but Lowe was able to log limited practices each of the last two days. Starting left guard Cole Strange was removed from the injury report.