Sun Sep 15 16:52:39 UTC 2024: ## Patriots Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor Abruptly Leaves Team, Citing Personal Reasons

**FOXBOROUGH, MA** – In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots placed offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor on the reserve/left squad list just before their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head Coach Jerod Mayo addressed the move during a pregame interview, emphasizing that the decision was personal and not related to Okorafor’s football performance.

“I had a conversation with Chuks, and first, it had nothing to do with football,” Mayo explained. “I wanted to make sure that he was good, in a good space and really considering and taking into consideration that this is what he wanted to do.”

Sources close to the situation revealed that Okorafor had been struggling mentally over the past month and informed the team of his departure. The move is considered a permanent one.

Okorafor, signed as a free agent this offseason, was expected to be a key starter for the Patriots, who have faced issues at the tackle position in recent years. However, after a turbulent summer and a penalty-ridden preseason, the 27-year-old was benched early in the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

His departure opens a spot on the roster for rookie Caedan Wallace, who will now serve as the backup tackle behind Vederian Lowe and Mike Onwenu. The Patriots also have Zach Thomas and Demontrey Jacobs on their roster, both of whom have experience at tackle.

The Patriots, who upset the Bengals in Week 1, will look to keep their momentum going against the Seahawks with their revamped offensive line.

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