New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Tuesday that Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown were probably set to miss Thursday night’s game against Chicago.
The Patriots offensive line could need two interior replacements if that assessment carries into the matchup with the Bears.
Bernd Buchmasser of Pats Pulpit reported Vrabel’s comments and the possible impact on the Patriots’ plans. Vera-Tucker was described as unlikely to play because of a hamstring injury, while Brown was described as unlikely to play because of a knee injury.
Patriots offensive line faces possible guard absences against Chicago
Vrabel described Vera-Tucker and Brown as probably set to miss Thursday night’s game. That wording places both players in a projected absence category as the Patriots prepare their combinations for the short week.
The potential loss of both interior players would require New England to consider how it wants to redistribute the available linemen. Buchmasser reported that Walter Rouse and Matt Pryor entered the lineup late against the New York Jets, giving the Patriots two players with recent game experience in the contingency group.
Rouse and Pryor are projected next options after entering the lineup late against New York. Their possible roles depend on how the Patriots arrange the line for Thursday night’s game and whether Vrabel’s assessment of Vera-Tucker and Brown leads to changes in the plan.
Vrabel says Caleb Lomu must prepare for multiple positions
Vrabel said Caleb Lomu must be ready to handle more than one position if the Patriots need to adjust their line. “I think that Caleb will have to be ready to go at multiple positions,” Vrabel said.
The coach also described the preparation required for Thursday’s game. “Where that ends up being on Thursday — he’ll have to be ready for a couple of spots,” Vrabel said.
Vrabel’s comments frame Lomu’s versatility as a contingency for Thursday’s game. They also leave room for the Patriots to use him at more than one spot depending on how the interior group is organized.
Vrabel emphasized that the adjustment would require preparation from the entire unit. “Everyone’s got to prepare like a starter for those types of things that happen,” he said.
How Lomu’s tackle background could translate inside
The Patriots selected Lomu with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he primarily played offensive tackle at the University of Utah. Buchmasser’s report connected that background with New England’s effort to develop him at multiple spots along the line.
Lomu practiced at both left and right tackle after joining the Patriots, according to the report. He also received repetitions at interior offensive-line positions during training camp, giving New England a basis for considering him inside if the guard situation requires another adjustment.
Lomu is listed at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds. His work at multiple positions gives the Patriots another contingency as they prepare for Thursday’s game.
The interior possibility would represent a different use from Lomu’s primary college role at Utah. His tackle experience remains part of his development, while his training-camp repetitions provide the relevant background for a potential move inside against Chicago.
Rouse and Pryor remain the projected next options
Rouse and Pryor have already been used in the Patriots’ recent game against the Jets, where both entered the lineup late. That experience makes them projected options if Vera-Tucker and Brown miss Thursday night’s game.
Lomu would provide another contingency if New England needs additional flexibility during the matchup. Vrabel’s comments indicate that the rookie is preparing for multiple positions, while the specific assignment will depend on the lineup the Patriots use.
The Patriots face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. Vera-Tucker’s hamstring injury and Brown’s knee injury are the immediate personnel factors shaping New England’s interior-line options for that game.
