QUINCY (WGEM) - Former Culver-Stockton College center/guard Andrew Rupcich is back with the New England Patriots.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Rupcich was re-signed to the practice squad after three New England offensive linemen were injured during a 26-19 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
New England coach Mike Vrabel announced on Monday the team added Rupcich to the practice squad adding interior depth after the team’s offensive line was riddled with injuries during Sunday’s victory.
“We’ll add Andrew Rupcich and Jacob Rizy,” Vrabel said during a press conference at Gillette Stadium. “Guys that have been here previously to help us here as we move forward. I would say that we have to stay pretty fluid.”
With a short week and a Thursday night game at Chicago, the Patriots (4-2) now must find enough healthy bodies up front to field a functioning line that’s been ravaged by injuries.
On Aug. 15, the Patriots reached an injury settlement with Rupcich after he was hurt during the preseason and placed on injured reserve. Rupcich was diagnosed with a strained MCL which didn’t require surgery after exiting in the fourth quarter of the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 13. He saw 58 offensive snaps as team’s starting left guard and but was sidelined for the closing minutes of the 13-13 tie. With the injury settlement happening during preseason, Rupcich could have been claimed by another team after four weeks but could only return to New England after six weeks.
Rupcich, 27, was in contention for a 53-man roster spot as a backup in training camp after joining New England’s practice squad last September and signing a future contract in February.
He joined the NFL with Vrabel’s former team the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He appeared in 12 games, including a pair of starts, before heading to the AFC East in 2025.
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