The 2026 campaign is back on for Andrew Rupcich.
The New England Patriots reached an injury settlement with the interior offensive lineman on Thursday, according to the NFL transaction wire. He will go through waivers entering the weekend with the chance to be claimed elsewhere.
A return to Foxborough at a later date also cannot be ruled out.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported last weekend that the 6-foot-6, 325-pound Rupcich had been diagnosed with a strained MCL after exiting in the fourth quarter of the preseason
opener against the Indianapolis Colts. He saw 58 offensive snaps as team’s starting left guard and stayed on the sideline for the closing minutes of the 13-13 tie.
A move to injured reserve followed along with the additions of Darrian Dalcourt, Joe Michalski and veteran Greg Van Roten to the offensive line.
Rupcich, 27, was in contention for a 53-man roster spot this August after joining New England’s practice squad last September and signing a futures contract in February. The product of NAIA’s Culver-Stockton entered the NFL with head coach Mike Vrabel’s former Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He appeared in 12 games while in the AFC South, including a pair of starts, before heading to the AFC East in 2025.
It marks the second settlement in a week’s time for New England.
Four players remain on the organization’s injured reserve. The season-ending group includes running back Myles Montgomery, wide receivers Jimmy Kibble and Jeremiah Webb, as well as tight end Julian Hill.
The preseason continues Saturday versus the Philadelphia Eagles on the heels of joint practices. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.
