The New England Patriots are rolling with their third different starting right guard in just four games this week, with Ben Brown slated to take over the spot this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. This is a wild turn of events for the offensive line, marking the second straight week the team has had to find a new guy to protect the right side.
The O-Line Carousel Continues
It’s been a nightmare at right guard for the Patriots, honestly. The season barely kicked off before the injury bug started doing serious damage. Mike Onwenu, the team’s longest-tenured player and the original starter at right guard, got hit with a broken ankle in their Week 2 win over the Steelers. Just like that, he was out, landing on injured reserve. You figured the next man up would bring some stability, right? Nope. Veteran Greg Van Roten stepped in, but he couldn’t escape the curse either. He got hurt himself the very next game against the Jaguars, forcing him onto injured reserve too.
That left a massive hole, and Walter Rouse, a late-August trade acquisition from Minnesota, was the first one to try and fill it last week. But his regular season debut was a struggle, and the team clearly wasn’t happy with how things went. That’s why they held an open competition in practice this week, featuring Brown, Rouse, and recent signing Matt Pryor. Talk about high stakes practice battles.
Brown Steps Up, But What About the Others?
So, here we are: 28-year-old Ben Brown is getting the nod. He spent last week’s game against the Jaguars as the backup left guard and center, and he’s been vocal about being ready for his shot. Head Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the move on Friday, saying, “I would probably anticipate Ben Brown starting out there.” It’s a huge moment for Brown, but the coaching staff isn’t exactly shutting the door on others seeing action. Vrabel made it clear, “I think Walter will have to be ready to go,” which tells you everything about the uncertainty still hanging over that position.
Then there’s Matt Pryor, the recent signing from Arizona. Vrabel said, “I think that we will see where we are with Matt Pryor coming over from Arizona, whether we feel like he could potentially help us at the game or be available for the game. I think that’s something that we still have to decide here as he works into the communication, the system, going on the road, and then if not, we’ll have to look to elevate somebody potentially.” It sounds like they’re still figuring out if Pryor can even get up to speed in time for the game. This O-line is facing a massive test.
The Patriots’ Week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills kicks off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. With so much instability at right guard, every snap against that Bills defense is going to feel like a make or break moment for this new configuration. Can Brown hold his own? Or will we see another shuffle before the final whistle?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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