The Patriots started their third right guard in four weeks on Sunday against the Bills, but the position still might not be settled.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was complimentary of Ben Brown, who started in place of Mike Onwenu and Greg Van Roten, both of whom are on injured reserve, but wouldn’t say that he would remain in the top unit.
“That’s probably too quick for me to answer right now,” Vrabel said. “Just being less than 24 hours after the game, as far as roster spot or positions, but I thought Ben competed. I thought he did what Ben normally does. He goes in there and fights, and that’s what I love about Ben, and that’s what everybody on this team loves about Ben.”
The other options are Walter Rouse, who filled in for Van Roten in Week 3, and Matt Pryor, a veteran who was signed off the Cardinals’ practice squad last week. Rouse was acquired via trade with the Vikings before the season.
Brown allowed three pressures in 45 pass-blocking snaps against the Bills, per PFF. Rouse let up four pressures in 24 pass-blocking snaps as a backup in Week 3.
Pryor has the most experience at right guard, but he still has to get acclimated to the offense. He was active in Week 4 but didn’t play.