Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots

For the New England Patriots, a team already navigating a tight AFC playoff race, a key injury on the offensive line has delivered a significant blow. This week, the Patriots announced that starting left tackle Trent Brown will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain—an injury he sustained in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Brown, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been a cornerstone of New England’s offensive line since re-signing with the team in 2023, tasked with protecting quarterback Mac Jones’ blind side. With just six games left in the regular season, his extended absence raises urgent questions about the Patriots’ ability to stabilize their offense and maintain their playoff push. Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots explores the details of Brown’s injury, the void it creates, and how the team plans to adapt in his absence.

Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots begins with the context of Brown’s injury and the severity of the diagnosis. The injury occurred late in the Patriots’ 24-17 win over the Chargers, when Brown was tangled with a Chargers defensive end during a running play. He limped off the field and did not return, and initial tests revealed damage to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left ankle. Further imaging confirmed a Grade 2 sprain, which typically requires 4-6 weeks of recovery—meaning Brown could miss critical matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins, all divisional or AFC title contenders. “Trent is a big part of our offense, and losing him for any length of time is tough,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. “He’s been consistent all season, both in pass protection and run blocking. We’ll miss his presence, but we have to adjust and move forward.” Brown, who has started all 10 games for the Patriots this season, has allowed just two sacks and six quarterback pressures—ranking among the top 15 left tackles in the NFL in pass-block win rate.

A key concern stemming from Brown’s absence is the Patriots’ lack of depth at left tackle and the challenges of replacing a player of his size and skill. At 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds, Brown is one of the league’s largest offensive linemen, using his frame to neutralize elite edge rushers like the Bills’ Von Miller and the Chiefs’ Chris Jones. The Patriots’ current backup options include veteran Conor McDermott and rookie Sidy Sow, neither of whom have extensive starting experience at left tackle. McDermott, who joined the Patriots in 2022, has started just 12 games in his seven-year career, mostly at right tackle and as a swing lineman. Sow, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, played primarily at guard in college and has appeared in only three games this season. “Replacing a player like Trent isn’t easy—there aren’t many guys in the league with his combination of size and athleticism,” said Patriots offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. “Conor and Sidy have been working hard, and we’ll give them the reps they need to be ready. But it’s a big jump from backup to starting left tackle in the NFL, especially against the pass rushers we’re about to face.”

A critical aspect of Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots is how the Patriots’ offense might adjust to protect Jones—and what it means for the current New England Patriots team. To compensate for the weaker pass protection on the left side, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien may shift to a more run-heavy scheme, relying on running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott to control the clock and reduce Jones’ dropback time. The Patriots could also use more tight ends and extra offensive linemen in “heavy” packages to provide additional help for McDermott or Sow. These adjustments, however, could limit the Patriots’ passing attack, which has already struggled at times this season (Jones has thrown 10 interceptions and ranks 22nd in passing yards). “We have to be smart about how we use our personnel,” O’Brien said. “We might not be able to throw the ball as freely as we have in the past, but we have talented running backs and tight ends who can help us move the chains. It’s about playing to our strengths right now.” For the New England Patriots, the adjustment period will be critical: if the offensive line can’t hold up, Jones could face increased pressure, leading to more turnovers and stalled drives—both of which could derail their playoff hopes.

Another important angle of Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots is the impact on the Patriots’ playoff seeding and their ability to compete for the AFC East title. The Patriots currently sit at 7-3, tied with the Dolphins for first place in the AFC East, but Brown’s absence comes as they enter a brutal stretch of their schedule. Their next four games include road matchups against the Bills (8-2) and Chiefs (9-1), two teams with top-5 pass rushes. If the Patriots struggle to protect Jones in these games, they could drop in the standings, potentially losing their grip on a division title and a first-round bye. “This is a test of our team’s resilience,” said Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon, a former offensive lineman in college. “Injuries happen to every team, but how you respond defines your season. We have to rally around the guys stepping up at left tackle and find a way to win these big games.” For the New England Patriots, the next four weeks will also be a chance to evaluate their backup linemen: if McDermott or Sow proves capable, it could ease concerns about Brown’s eventual return; if not, the Patriots may look to the trade market for additional help before the NFL’s November 12 trade deadline.

Wrapping up Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots is the long-term implications of Brown’s injury and what it says about the Patriots’ roster depth. While four weeks is the minimum absence, there’s always a risk of setbacks with ankle sprains—especially for a player of Brown’s size, who puts significant stress on his lower body. If Brown’s recovery takes longer than expected, the Patriots could be without their starting left tackle for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the playoffs. This highlights a larger issue for New England: their lack of proven depth at offensive tackle, a position that has plagued the team in recent years. “We’ve talked about building depth across the roster, and this injury shows why that’s so important,” Belichick said. “We’ll do everything we can to support Trent in his recovery, and we’ll work with the guys we have to keep this offense moving.” For the New England Patriots, Brown’s absence is more than just a short-term challenge—it’s a reminder of the importance of roster construction in the NFL. How the team responds over the next four weeks could determine whether they’re a true AFC contender or just another team fighting for a playoff spot. Minimum Four Weeks Out for LT on the New England Patriots isn’t just a story about an injury; it’s a story about a team facing adversity and fighting to keep its season on track.