Patriots Face Tough Ben Brown Knee Injury Outlook Heading Into Week 10

Brown’s status remains uncertain

Brown exited Sunday’s 45-27 defeat by the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury. Asked Monday about the 28-year-old’s availability, the team gave no clear sign that he would be ready for Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.

Walter Rouse replaced Brown. The Patriots’ offensive line struggled to protect Drake Maye, who was sacked four times and faced pressure for much of the game.

A season marked by injuries

Brown had already missed time after getting hurt in a preseason game. He later became a starter, then was sidelined again by an injury against the New York Jets.

He missed the Week 7 Thursday night loss to the Chicago Bears, but returned for the following two games. Sunday’s knee injury adds to a difficult season for the guard.

New England weighs line options

The Patriots have placed Mike Onwenu, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Greg Van Roten on injured reserve. Their absences have expanded the roles of Brown, Rouse and Matt Pryor. Van Roten’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened last week. Vrabel said the team would assess his progress at practice Tuesday or Wednesday; he also said New England would consider the possibility of adding interior depth before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Playoff hopes remain in view

Despite the injuries, the Patriots are 5-4 and currently in the AFC playoff picture. Vrabel said the team must treat its position as a fresh start and work toward playing meaningful games in January.

“We’re five and four,” Vrabel said, adding that other teams would also be contending at that record. He said the Patriots needed to draw a line and begin putting themselves in position for January games.