Patriots Turn to Ben Brown at Right Guard vs. Bills in Week 4

As the calendar flips to October 2, 2026, the New England Patriots find themselves patching together an offensive line that has been ravaged by injuries. For the second consecutive week, the team will have a new starting right guard when they face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, head coach Mike Vrabel announced at Gillette Stadium on Friday that Ben Brown is slated to take over the position.

Brown Steps Up Amidst Injury Woes

Brown, who spent last week’s game in Jacksonville as a backup left guard and center, will become the Patriots’ third different starting right guard in just four games. The position was originally manned by Mike Onwenu, the team’s longest-tenured player, before a broken ankle sidelined him during New England’s Week 2 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Veteran training camp pickup Greg Van Roten filled in for Onwenu but was himself injured in the previous game against the Jaguars. Both players have since been placed on injured reserve, leaving a gaping hole on the offensive line.

“I would probably anticipate Ben Brown starting out there,” Vrabel said during his press conference. Brown, who spoke earlier this week about his readiness should his number be called, will now be tasked with protecting quarterback Drake Maye and opening holes for the running game against a formidable Bills front seven.

Competition and Contingency Plans

Walter Rouse was the first man up to fill the vacancy last week, but the late-August trade acquisition via Minnesota struggled in his regular-season debut with the team. As a result, the Patriots held an open competition during practice leading up to the Bills game, featuring Brown, Rouse, and recent signing Matt Pryor. While Brown will get the start, both Rouse and Pryor could factor into the mix at some point.

“I think Walter will have to be ready to go,” Vrabel said. “I think that we will see where we are with Matt Pryor coming over from Arizona, whether we feel like he could potentially help us at the game or be available for the game. I think that’s something that we still have to decide here as he works into the communication, the system, going on the road, and then if not, we’ll have to look to elevate somebody potentially.”

Looking Ahead to Buffalo

The Patriots’ Week 4 game against the Bills is set for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday. With the offensive line in flux, the team will rely on Brown’s versatility and experience to stabilize the right side. As highlighted on Vulius, the Patriots’ ability to protect Maye and establish the run will be crucial against a Bills defense that thrives on creating pressure.

For die-hard football fans, this matchup carries significant implications in the AFC East race. The Patriots are hoping that Brown can hold down the fort until Onwenu and Van Roten return, but in the meantime, they’ll need all hands on deck. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage and analysis of this developing story.