Guard Jared Wilson out for Patriots for Week 4 vs. Panthers
The New England Patriots will likely get All Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez back for Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. But on offense, quarterback Drake Maye will be without one of his top protectors along the offensive line.
Rookie guard Jared Wilson has played every offensive snap to this point, but is out for Sunday after he dealt with ankle and knee injuries during the week. He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, and was on the field briefly on Friday. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wilson would miss Week 4 after practice.
The Patriots will now send out a new offensive line for the first time this season, after starting the same five players (rookies Will Campbell and Wilson on the left side, Garrett Bradbury at center, and Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses on the right side) over the first three weeks. With Wilson sidelined, Ben Brown will likely start at left guard between Campbell and Bradbury.
Brown was the team's starting center last season and competed with Wilson for the starting guard job in camp over the summer.
"Ben is here because we believe in him," Vrabel said Friday. "He's worked at center. He's worked at guard through camp. He'll compete. We're excited to see him play. Everybody's here for a reason. Take advantage of your opportunity. I'm sure that Ben will do that."
Christian Gonzalez questionable
Gonzalez is questionable for a second straight week, but all signs point to the cornerback making his return to the New England defense this weekend. That should help a New England secondary that has surrendered an average of 256.3 passing yards per game through three weeks.
In addition to Gonzalez, linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) and right guard Mike Onwenu are questionable for Sunday's game. Chaisson missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury and was limited Thursday and Friday.
Onwenu was added to the injury report Friday with a shoulder ailment, but the veteran was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to play on Sunday.
The Panthers ruled out linebacker Pat Jones (hamstring), wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring), tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle), and linebacker D.J. Wonnum (hip) on Friday, while running back Chuba Hubbard (calf), wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (calf), and defensive tackle Turk Wharton (hamstring) are all questionable for Sunday's game.