RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots center Ben Brown (77) warms up before a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The New England Patriots’ offensive line depth suffered a blow in the first quarter of their preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Ben Brown, who had started the game at center and projects as the top interior backup entering 2026, exited the contest and was unable to return.
According to head coach Mike Vrabel, he won’t be for a while.
“Ben is going to be a few weeks,” Vrabel said during a press conference ahead of the Patriots’ training camp practice on Saturday . “Four-to-six, eight, 10, 12. Even numbers. But it will probably be extensive throughout the rest of the preseason for sure.”
Brown remained down following a sack against backup quarterback Tommy DeVito on Thursday night. He required assistance walking off the field and into the blue medical tent on the sideline, which he left straight for the locker room. In his place, undrafted rookie Jacob Rizy took over as New England’s center.
Whether or not that arrangement will remain in place heading into next week’s joint practices and preseason game with the Philadelphia Eagles will be seen. The Patriots did sign two free agent interior linemen — Darrian Dalcourt and Joe Michalski — to their active roster on Saturday to improve the depth at the position.
Brown, 28, started his career as an undrafted rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, and through stints in Seattle, Arizona and Las Vegas found his way to New England during the 2024 season. He has since played 31 games with 14 starts for team, and after signing a two-year, $5 million contract extension in December 2025 projects as its No. 4 interior linemen behind starters Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson and Mike Onwenu.
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