The Patriots are going into their Thursday night game against the Bears with some seriously rough news, as head coach Mike Vrabel just ruled out five players. This group includes two starting offensive linemen, which is a brutal hit right off the top.
The O-Line is a Wreck
This is a brutal hit right to the offensive line. Left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is battling a hamstring issue, and right guard Ben Brown is sidelined with a knee injury. Coach Vrabel confirmed Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse are stepping up to fill those spots, playing on either side of center Jared Wilson. You gotta wonder what kind of protection their quarterback is gonna get with two new guys in there, especially on a short week for a Thursday night game.
Secondary Woes Pile Up
But wait, there’s more. The secondary is also taking a massive hit. Cornerback Carlton Davis was back at practice Tuesday, which might have given some hope, but Vrabel straight up said he’s still out with that neck injury. And it’s not just him, backup corners Karon Prunty and Channing Canada are both out too, both dealing with hamstring issues. That’s three corners sidelined for a crucial game. Who’s even left to cover in the defensive backfield for this trip to Chicago?
This isn’t just a couple of dings, it’s a full-blown injury crisis for the Patriots heading into Chicago for Thursday night. They’re facing the Bears with a patchwork O-line and a severely depleted secondary. It’s going to be a tough battle for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply