Patriots Name Ben Brown Starting at Right Guard

Overview

• Coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Ben Brown will start at right guard for the Patriots in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills.
• The vacancy follows Mike Onwenu and Greg Van Roten being placed on injured reserve after ankle injuries, forcing the club to find a multi-week replacement.
• Brown has played 33 games with 14 starts for New England at center and left guard and has logged only limited snaps at right guard, but he says he is prepared to slide over and play.
• New additions Walter Rouse and veteran Matt Pryor competed with Brown in practice and remain available as rotation or elevation options depending on communication readiness and game-day needs.
• The short-term move highlights a deeper roster problem because NFL injured-reserve rules require multi-week absences, which could force the Patriots to rely on makeshift line continuity and affect protection for quarterback Drake Maye.