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Patriots Get Encouraging Offensive Line News Before Dolphins Game
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- Patriots Get Encouraging Offensive Line News Before Dolphins Game
Patriots Get Encouraging Offensive Line News Before Dolphins Game originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New England Patriots received some encouraging news Wednesday, and it could have a significant impact on their preparation for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
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Starting right guard Ben Brown returned to practice after missing last week's 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears with a knee injury. Brown was listed as a limited participant, an important step toward potentially returning to the lineup.
The development comes at a useful time for New England, which is attempting to bounce back from its first loss in four games.
But Brown's return creates an interesting question for head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff.
A Good Problem For New England
The Patriots have spent much of the season trying to establish consistency along their offensive line. Injuries have forced adjustments, creating opportunities for younger players and reserves to demonstrate what they can contribute.
New England has also shown encouraging improvement in pass protection.
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According to Wednesday's reporting from Patriots coverage , the offensive line allowed just two sacks over the team's previous two games. That is an important development considering the responsibility the unit carries in protecting Drake Maye.
The quarterback threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns against Chicago, completing 24 of his 31 passes. He also scored a rushing touchdown in a performance that gave New England opportunities to win despite several mistakes elsewhere.
Maye's ability to create plays has become one of the team's greatest strengths. Keeping him protected is essential if the Patriots want to continue building around that ability.
Brown's return would provide another experienced option, but the coaching staff must determine how to incorporate him without disrupting the progress made by the available linemen.
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That is a better situation than entering another game without enough healthy options.
Patriots Receive Broader Injury Boost
Brown wasn't the only encouraging name on Wednesday's report. For the first time this season, every player on New England's active 53-man roster participated in practice.
Eight players listed on the injury report were full participants, while four were limited. No Patriots player was listed as a nonparticipant. Among those practicing fully were quarterback Drake Maye, safety Kevin Byard III and cornerback Carlton Davis III.
Maye's presence was particularly noteworthy because he remained listed with a right shoulder issue. His full participation indicates that the injury did not limit his practice workload Wednesday.
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Brown, A.J. Brown, DaQuan Jones and Morgan Moses were the four limited participants.
The report does not guarantee that everyone will be available Sunday, but it represents a promising beginning to the week.
MORE: Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Reacts to Alarming Results From CTE Study of NFL Players
A Critical Stretch Is Approaching
The Patriots enter Sunday's game at 4-3, facing a Miami team that earned its first victory of the season last weekend. New England then hosts Green Bay before traveling to Germany for a game against Detroit.
That stretch will test the Patriots' depth, consistency and ability to protect their quarterback against different defensive schemes.
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The offensive line will play an important role in determining how successfully New England navigates those challenges.
Getting Ben Brown back would provide another option. Having the entire active roster on the practice field is an even broader positive development. The Patriots still have work to do after their loss in Chicago, but Wednesday offered a welcome sign that their roster is moving in the right direction.
