Wednesday’s injury report had the Patriots’ tackle depth already looking like a major question heading into Thursday night’s game against the Bills. Starting right tackle Isaiah Wynn (foot) was ruled out for the second week in a row while his backup Yodny Cajuste (calf) is questionable.
That left Trent Brown as the only healthy starting tackle on the roster. That is, until Thursday morning when the team announced Brown is now questionable for the game due to an illness.
This continues what have been a couple of roller coaster weeks for Brown. After starting every game leading up to the bye, he began the Patriots’ Week 11 game against the Jets on the bench before playing 43 snaps following an injury to Wynn. He returned to the starting lineup last week.
If Brown can’t go Thursday night, the Patriots have just one other tackle on the roster in Conor McDermott, who they signed off the Jets’ practice squad last week. They also have Hunter Thedford who they signed to the practice squad two weeks ago. However, Thedford is converting from tight end and has never played an NFL snap. He played in the USFL as a tight end this past spring.
The Patriots could also turn to starting right guard Michael Onwenu, who has played tackle in the past. That might be a last-on-the-list option for the Patriots through, as they’ve talked this year about being committed to keeping Onwenu at guard after having him move positions throughout his first two NFL seasons. Onwenu has played all 688 of his snaps at right guard this season, and he hasn’t missed an offensive snap this year.
Moving Onwenu to tackle would also test the Patriots’ interior offensive line depth, which isn’t looking much better than their tackle depth right now. Things will be especially thin if David Andrews (thigh), who is listed as questionable, can’t play and James Ferentz has to start at center. That would leave rookie UDFA Kody Russey as the only other interior offensive lineman on the active roster, as Wynn had been providing the team depth on the inside when not playing tackle. The Patriots also have third-year converted defensive lineman Bill Murray and recently-signed rookie Hayden Howerton on the practice squad.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s pass rush is banged up as well. They’ll be without their top edge rusher in Von Miller (knee), and defensive end Greg Rousseau (ankle) will play his first game after missing two weeks due to injury.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
