The Patriots have another hole to fill on their offensive line. Mike Vrabel does not appear eager to create a second adjustment while addressing the first. With Greg Van Roten on injured reserve, New England is evaluating Walter Rouse and Ben Brown at right guard ahead of Sunday’s game against Buffalo.
One possible alternative would involve moving Alijah Vera-Tucker from left guard to the right side. Asked about that option Wednesday, Vrabel pointed to the developing connection between Vera-Tucker and left tackle Will Campbell.
“I want to continue that, so probably not right now,” Vrabel said.
The wording leaves room for circumstances to change. For now, however, Vrabel appears interested in preserving some continuity as injuries force the Patriots to reconsider another starting spot.
Patriots Face Another Right Guard Decision
New England began the season with Mike Onwenu at right guard. After he suffered a fractured ankle against Pittsburgh, Van Roten stepped into the lineup. Van Roten then sustained a thigh injury against Jacksonville and subsequently landed on injured reserve. Rouse replaced him during that game and played the final 41 offensive snaps.
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That leaves the Patriots preparing for their third starting right guard in four games.
Vrabel said Rouse and Brown would get work at the position Wednesday and Thursday before the team determined its approach for the week. He did not announce a starter.
For an offense trying to establish a rhythm, those decisions have consequences beyond one player’s assignment. Guards must communicate with the center and tackle beside them, handle pressure looks and help create space in the running game.
Each change requires the surrounding players to adjust, too. Keeping Vera-Tucker alongside Campbell would allow the Patriots to preserve that pairing while sorting through their options at right guard.
MORE: Mike Vrabel Turns To David And Goliath To Help Drake Maye Through Patriots Struggles
New England Adds Depth While Protecting Continuity
The Patriots also signed offensive lineman Da’Metrius Weatherspoon to the practice squad Wednesday.
Weatherspoon entered the NFL with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent before being released in August. He played collegiately at Howard and Syracuse, giving New England another developmental option in the trenches. The addition should be viewed separately from the starting competition. A practice-squad signing provides depth; it does not establish who will line up at right guard Sunday.
For now, Rouse and Brown are the players Vrabel identified for that work.
The immediate challenge is helping an offense coming off a six-point performance operate more consistently against a division opponent. That requires dependable protection for Drake Maye and enough movement up front to support the running game.
Vrabel’s Wednesday answer suggests he sees value in letting Campbell and Vera-Tucker continue developing together. The Patriots can address the vacancy without immediately rearranging the entire line.
How Rouse and Brown perform during the week will help determine whether that remains the best approach.
New England visits Buffalo on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
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