FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots offensive line has gone through many challenges this season. Yet, things were looking up when four out of the five guys who started in Week 5 were back out on the field for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans. 

But injuries plagued them once again. 

Starting left guard Michael Jordan remained down on the field during the second half. Trainers tended to his ankle, and he was eventually able to get up and slowly walk over to the sidelines on his own. 

Jordan immediately went into the blue medical tent, and was replaced by Sidy Sow. However, he returned to the field before the game ended.  

So, what was going through his head when he was pushing to get back in the game. 

"These guys are my family," Jordan told A to Z Sports. "I want to protect my family."

And when asked if he thinks the injury will keep him out, he gave a short answer. 

"Yeah, I'll be good," he said. 

Throughout all six games this season, the Patriots have not started the same five offensive linemen. But on Sunday it was the closest they have come to repeating. 

The only change they made was Ben Brown starting at center over Nick Leverett. Otherwise it was Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs at left and right tackle respectively. And then Jordan at left guard, and Mike Onwenu on the right side. 

While the lack of continuity is something everyone is talking about, Jordan isn't concerned about that. He has high expectations for himself and the rest of the line, regardless of who is out there.  

"I think, no matter, five out of five, or whatever combination we have, I think we have a standard in the room that needs to be upheld," Jordan explained. "So that is an important factor, but it shouldn't be the end all. We need to work better as a whole."

Jordan signed with the Patriots at the end of January and after training camp, he was waived but re-signed to the practice squad. Yet, with a lot of injuries on the offensive line, he was promoted to the active roster in the middle of September. 

And now he's one of the starting five. 

"Every day, I go in with the same intent of getting better each and every single day. As long as I get 1% better, that's where I try to find happiness in the process, Jordan said. "So if I stick to the process, I think that's going to lead to long-term success."