Walter Rouse, the 25-year-old offensive lineman, has had an absolute whirlwind since landing with the New England Patriots in late August, but after his first career start and seven weeks into the season, he’s feeling “a lot better” and Patriots fans should be paying close attention. When the team was trimming the roster down to 53 players, they swung a trade to grab Rouse from the Minnesota Vikings, and he’s been living in the deep end ever since.
From Viking Backup to Patriot Linchpin
Rouse came over to New England as part of a pair of trades in late August, and while running back Corey Kiner got a gradual increase in opportunities, Rouse was immediately thrust into the spotlight. He called his arrival a “whirlwind,” coming over from the Vikings. A sixth-round draft pick by Minnesota in 2024, Rouse spent two years there mainly as a backup offensive tackle. The guy’s got a tackle background, playing 3,400 snaps at left tackle during his college days at Oklahoma, standing at 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds. The Vikings did give him some reps inside at guard during practice and preseason, but his regular season snaps were all at tackle. That limited guard experience in a “controlled setting” was about to change in a hurry.
Trial by Fire at Guard
His real test began in Week 3 of this season. Leading up to their game against the Jaguars, the Patriots had Rouse specifically prepping to play right guard because starter Greg Van Roten, who was already an injury replacement for Mike Onwenu, might be unavailable. Sure enough, Van Roten went down in the first half, and Rouse was the emergency call. The results were “as had to be expected,” and he was back on the bench the next week. But the injury bug kept biting. In Week 6 against the Jets, Rouse was back in the spotlight, coming in at left guard after both starter Alijah Vera-Tucker and backup Ben Brown exited the game. Just four days later, against the Chicago Bears, Walter Rouse earned his first career start. He said he feels “a lot better,” and “more comfortable at the guard position whether it’s in pass pro or run blocking” since that Jacksonville game through his start against the Bears. He’s growing, and it’s happening fast.
What’s Next for the O-Line?
With Mike Onwenu, Greg Van Roten, and Alijah Vera-Tucker all sidelined on injured reserve, and Ben Brown only just coming back to practice this week, it looks like Walter Rouse and fourth-string right guard Matt Pryor could be holding down the fort this coming Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He’s already seen a lot more action than anyone expected, and for a sixth-round pick, he’s proving he can adapt under pressure. His continued growth and increasing comfort at guard is going to be huge for this team as they navigate these injuries.
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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