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Bills set to face another banged-up offensive line

For the fourth consecutive week to start the 2026 campaign, the Buffalo Bills defensive front is scheduled to battle an opponent dealing with significant roster issues along the front line. Following recent ailments affecting units on the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots announced on Tuesday that veteran offensive lineman Greg Van Roten has been shifted to injured reserve due to a thigh problem.

This development compounds prior losses for New England, which previously lost starting right guard Michael Onwenu to an ankle fracture against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Week 2. Ben Brown is expected to step into the vacant right guard position between center Jared Wilson and right tackle Morgan Moses for the upcoming matchup.

While Buffalo has capitalized on these early opportunities by ranking sixth across the league in pressure rate at 40.3 percent behind standout performances from Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker, analysts note that the team has enjoyed facing diminished protection units through the opening month. That favorable trend will persist this weekend when the Bills meet the Patriots, as New England continues adjusting its lineup following the removal of linebacker Riley Wilson from the practice squad alongside Van Roten's roster move.

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