Patriots place OT Chukwuma Okorafor on exempt/left squad list

One of Eliot Wolf’s offseason acquisitions already appears to be on his way out after just one game in a Patriots uniform.

Offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, a former third-round draft pick, has been placed on the “exempt/left squad” list by New England. The designation clears a spot on the Patriots roster while Okorafor’s official status — likely a release or contract termination — is finalized.

New England is expected to use that roster spot on offensive lineman Michael Jordan, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Jordan was a practice squad elevation in Week 1 and is being elevated again ahead of the Patriots’ home opener on Sunday afternoon. He played a prominent role in New England’s Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

With Sidy Sow ruled out again for Week 2, Jordan will likely continue his contributions as the team’s starting left guard.

Okorafor was a starter in the Patriots’ season opener, but only played in 12 offensive snaps before being benched. He has 60 career starts since 2018 and was New England’s only splash acquisition to the offensive line in free agency.

The “exempt/left squad” list is not commonly used, although interestingly enough, the Patriots do have experience with that designation in recent history. Last season, almost a year ago to date, New England placed quarterback Matt Corral on the “exempt/left squad” list. The exact reason for that move was not specified, and Corral left the team without any notice.

Okorafor’s situation is different than, Corral’s though. Okorafor did let New England know he was leaving, according to The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. MassLive’s Karen Guregian adds that Okorafor is “reconsidering if he still wants to play football.”

If Okorafor decides to continue playing football, the Patriots could still remove him from the list and bring him back. For now, though, they’ll roll into Week 2 with 52 men on their roster.