Patriots Tie Colts 13-13 as Borregales Misses 3 Field Goals

Q: With multiple interior linemen injured in the preseason opener, will the Patriots be forced to sign emergency veterans to protect Drake Maye?

Yes — if Ben Brown’s injury is significant, the Patriots may have to add an interior offensive lineman before Week 1, though it is too early to say they are forced into a move yet. The concern is real because Brown was not just a preseason fill-in; he was New England’s top backup across the interior behind Jared Wilson, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu. He has starting experience, signed a two-year extension last December, and was viewed as the “next man up” at both center and guard. Andrew Rupcich’s exit made the problem sharper, since he had been one of the few reserve linemen with guard-center versatility. What makes this more urgent is the lack of proven depth behind them. Jacob Rizy and JonDarius Morgan are undrafted rookies, Mekhi Butler was a practice-squad player, and James Hudson is a tackle converting inside. That is workable for August evaluation, but riskier if Drake Maye is about to open the season behind it. Still, the Patriots are not automatically in emergency-signing mode. Their starting interior trio sat out the Colts game, so the front-line protection for Maye remains intact if Wilson, Vera-Tucker and Onwenu are healthy. The decision will likely hinge on medical results for Brown and Rupcich over the next few days. If Brown misses extended time, signing a veteran backup center/guard would be the logical safeguard. Not because the starters are unavailable, but because the Patriots’ margin for error protecting Maye would become uncomfortably thin.

Q: After missing three crucial field goals in a 13-13 tie, is Andy Borregales on the verge of losing his kicking job in New England?

Not yet, but his grip on the job looks less secure than it did a day ago. Borregales’ 2-for-5 night against Indianapolis was damaging, especially because all three misses went left and the last one from 49 yards cost New England a chance to win. In a vacuum, that is the kind of preseason performance that can trigger a roster move for a specialist. Still, the broader context argues against an immediate job loss. Borregales was solid as a rookie in 2025, making 27 of 32 field goals in the regular season, hitting all four of his attempts from 50-plus, and finishing with 53 of 55 on extra points. He also entered camp in strong form, with reports noting he had been one of the Patriots’ most reliable specialists this summer and that New England was comfortable carrying only one kicker on the roster. Mike Vrabel’s comments after the game were telling. He was blunt that “we expect him to make them,” but he also said he still has confidence in Borregales and framed the issue as something to correct rather than a reason to panic. That suggests the Patriots are more likely to bring in competition than to move on immediately. Reporting after the game indicated the team would at least discuss adding another kicker. So Borregales is not on the verge of being cut, but he is on notice. If he bounces back in practice and the next preseason game, he likely keeps the job. If the misses continue, New England will have a real kicking competition very quickly.

3 articles · Updated · Pats Pulpit · Aug 14

Three missed field goals by Andy Borregales — from 56, 55 and 49 yards — loomed over New England’s 13-13 preseason tie, with the last miss coming with 13 seconds left.
Mike Vrabel said the Patriots "expect him to make them," underscoring how Borregales’ 2-for-5 night overshadowed an otherwise competitive opener at Gillette Stadium.
Kyle Williams provided New England’s biggest offensive spark, catching a 12-yard touchdown from Tommy DeVito and adding a 25-yard gain while repeatedly creating separation.
Guard depth also took a hit: Ben Brown left injured, Andrew Rupcich spent time in the medical tent, and reserves James Hudson and Mehki Butler each allowed sacks.
John Saunders Jr. added an interception and two run stuffs, while rookies Eli Raridon and Caleb Lomu flashed enough to keep the focus on roster battles heading deeper into preseason.