New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have a big game on their hands in Week 4, as they will be taking on the Carolina Panthers in what figures to be a winnable game for them. However, their task got more difficult on Friday, as the team ruled a key offensive starter out for the game.
That player would be starting left guard Jared Wilson. A third-round rookie, Wilson has slotted in on the Pats’ o-line from the first snap in Week 1, and he hasn’t left the field since, playing every offensive snap for New England through its first three games.
In Week 4, though, that will change, as Wilson picked up ankle and knee injuries that prevented him from suiting up for any of the team’s three practices this week. While Wilson attended practice on Friday, he did not participate, leading to the team ruling him out ahead of Sunday.
With Wilson set to miss his first game of the season, the Patriots’ offensive line depth will be tested against the Panthers. Ben Brown is the top interior backup on the depth chart, with Caedan Wallace also potentially factoring into the mix.
New England could also be without their other starting guard, as Mike Onwenu popped up on the injury report on Friday with a shoulder injury, despite logging a full practice. Star cornerback Christian Gonzalez is also questionable for this game, although all reports indicate he’s on track to make his season debut.
After suffering a truly discouraging loss in Week 3, the Pats will be motivated to get back in the win column by taking down the Panthers. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and if all goes according to plan, New England will be 2-2 when it walks off the field after this one.
