Patriots Down Two Starting Guards for Chicago Matchup

Injuries Hit the Interior Line

New England will have to reshape its offensive line on short notice. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown have been ruled out for Thursday's road game against the Chicago Bears.

Vera-Tucker had played every snap at left guard this season before exiting with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of Sunday's victory against the New York Jets. Brown left during the second half of that same game with a knee problem. Brown was already the third right guard to start for the team this season, stepping up after injuries sent Mike Onwenu and Greg Van Roten to injured reserve.

New Faces Step Up for Maye

With the top options unavailable, Walter Rouse will step in to make his first career NFL start at left guard. New England acquired Rouse in an August 30 trade with the Minnesota Vikings.

On the other side, Matt Pryor will get the start at right guard. The Patriots added Pryor from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on October 1. He brings veteran experience, with 40 career starts to his name, including 15 starts for Chicago during the 2024 season.

Quarterback Drake Maye avoided getting sacked on Sunday, even after veteran right tackle Morgan Moses missed more than two quarters with a foot injury. Moses returned to practice in a limited role this week, and Vrabel noted that he has a chance to suit up against the Bears. Maye gave credit to the front five and the staff for keeping the offense steady.

"I feel like it's been every week somebody stepping up," Maye said. "On the flip side of it, it's unfortunate seeing so many of our guys go down. I'm impressed with how the coaches have been handling it, of kind of moving personnel around and fixing things on the sideline and adjusting."

Depth Tested Despite Winning Streak

The line changes come during a strong run on the field. New England holds a 4-2 record and has won three consecutive games, but the roster continues to take hits.

Starting wide receiver Romeo Doubs was placed on injured reserve on Monday with a shoulder injury. The defense will also remain shorthanded in the secondary, as starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is set to miss his third straight game with a neck injury.

What it means for the next game

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (NFL, Fri, 23 Oct): Chicago Bears win 54%, New England Patriots win 46%; projected score Chicago Bears 27, New England Patriots 22. Our safest pick: Under 57.5 points.