news-engine

Rupcich’s NFL season in jeopardy after suffering left knee injury QUINCY (WGEM) - For the second time in three years, former Culver-Stockton standout Andrew Rupcich’s NFL season is in jeopardy. Rupcich, a three-time NAIA All-American at C-SC and an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, suffered a possible season ending left knee injury during the Pats preseason opener on Thursday against Indianapolis. On Saturday, the team placed Rupcich on the injured reserve list. The move to IR means he will miss the entirety of the 2026 season unless he is waived with an injury settlement. Rupcich has a strained MCL that doesn’t require surgery, per sources. He could play this season for the Patriots if an injury settlement is reached or he could sign with another team. Rupcich, a 6-foot-6, 325-pounder, was expected to serve as a backup right guard and center for New England and played 58 snaps against the Colts before suffering the injury when his leg got rolled. Since the spring, Rupcich had worked himself into the lineup, even getting reps with the starting offense Rupcich, 28, spent the 2025 season as a member of AFC champion New England’s practice squad after being released by the Tennessee Titans. During the 2024 season, Rupcich played in seven games in a reserve role with Tennessee before finishing the year on injured reserve after suffering a torn biceps. Rupcich entered the NFL as a rookie free agent in 2022 with the Titans after being a three-time NAIA All-American at C-SC. He was released by Tennessee on Sept 29, 2025, and was reunited with his former Titans coach Mike Vrabel when he was signed to New England’s practice squad the next day. Rupcich played in 12 games with two starts at right guard during his time with Tennessee. Rupcich spent the entire 2022 season on the practice squad and the first 12 games of the 2023 season the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster and playing in five games with two starts. Copyright 2026 WGEM. All rights reserved.