The New England Patriots have another significant injury problem to address following Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Starting offensive lineman Ben Brown will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson is undergoing further evaluation for a knee injury.

Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Brown’s absence during his Monday press conference, adding another complication for an offensive line already missing multiple starters.

Brown injured his knee during the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to Green Bay and did not return.

Asked about his availability against Detroit, Vrabel offered a definitive response.

“He won’t make it this week,” Vrabel said, according to the Patriots’ official November 9 press conference transcript.

The injury leaves New England searching for another solution at left guard as it prepares for an important international matchup.

Ben Brown Injury Creates Another Offensive Line Problem

Brown’s absence continues a troubling pattern for New England’s offensive line.

The Patriots already have guards Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker on injured reserve. Veteran Greg Van Roten is also recovering from a hamstring injury.

Brown started Sunday’s game at left guard before suffering his knee injury late in the first half. Walter Rouse replaced him and finished the game at the position.

Rouse could be asked to start against Detroit, although the Patriots have another potential option. Van Roten has returned to practice and is eligible to be activated from injured reserve.

Vrabel acknowledged Monday that the team will evaluate whether Van Roten is ready to return.

“He’s eligible and has been working hard to get back,” Vrabel said.

The coach indicated that New England would assess Van Roten’s condition during preparations for Sunday’s game. The decision could have significant implications for quarterback Drake Maye.

New England struggled to protect Maye consistently against Green Bay, particularly after falling behind and becoming increasingly dependent on its passing game.

Maye threw three first-half interceptions as the Packers built a commanding lead.

With Detroit awaiting, another offensive line adjustment creates additional uncertainty for a unit that has struggled to maintain continuity.

Rhamondre Stevenson Awaiting MRI Results

The Patriots are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Stevenson.

The veteran running back suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s loss and was unable to finish the game. Vrabel said Monday that Stevenson was undergoing an MRI, but the team did not yet have a definitive update on his condition.

That creates a potentially serious problem for New England’s running game.

Second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined while recovering from an unexplained medical condition involving neurological symptoms.

Henderson missed Sunday’s game against Green Bay, leaving Stevenson as New England’s primary running back. If Stevenson cannot play against Detroit, the Patriots could be forced to rely on Corey Kiner and Lan Larison.

Kiner scored his first NFL touchdown during Sunday’s loss. However, neither player has Stevenson’s established experience as a primary NFL running back. The potential absence of both Stevenson and Henderson would also affect New England’s passing game.

Stevenson caught a touchdown pass from Maye against Green Bay before leaving with his injury.

His ability to contribute as a receiver and in pass protection makes his status particularly important.

According to NBC Sports’ November 9 injury update, the Patriots were still awaiting Stevenson’s MRI results Monday.

A.J. Brown Could Travel to Germany, but Return Remains Uncertain

There is some encouraging news involving wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Brown missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of ankle and knee injuries.

Vrabel said Monday that the Patriots expect Brown to travel with the team to Germany, although no final decision has been made. The coach emphasized that New England wants to bring players who could potentially contribute against Detroit.

However, Brown’s expected presence on the trip should not be interpreted as confirmation that he will play. The veteran receiver has appeared in only three games this season, limiting his ability to develop chemistry with Maye. His absence has placed additional pressure on New England’s younger receivers.

Mack Hollins returned from injured reserve Sunday and caught a touchdown pass against Green Bay, providing an encouraging development for the passing game.

DeMario Douglas also delivered a strong performance, recording his second career 100-yard receiving game.

Still, getting Brown back would give Maye another established receiving option.

His participation in practice later this week will provide a better indication of whether he can return against Detroit.

Will Campbell Injury Appears Less Serious

The Patriots also received an encouraging initial update involving left tackle Will Campbell.

Campbell left Sunday’s game with a knee injury and did not return. However, he told reporters afterward that he was fine and indicated he could have returned if the game had been closer.

According to Pats Pulpit’s November 9 report, Campbell explained that his leg had been caught awkwardly during a play.

His comments are encouraging, but his availability against Detroit has not been formally established.

With Brown already unavailable, losing Campbell would create another significant challenge for New England’s offensive line.

Patriots Face Difficult Matchup Against Detroit

The Patriots enter Sunday’s game with a 5-4 record after their disappointing performance against Green Bay.

Detroit presents another demanding challenge, particularly for an offense dealing with injuries at several important positions.

The most immediate concern is protecting Maye.

New England cannot afford another game in which turnovers and inconsistent pass protection undermine its offense.

The potential absence of Stevenson would make maintaining offensive balance even more difficult.

And if Brown remains unavailable, the Patriots will again need Hollins, Douglas, Hunter Henry and their younger receivers to carry additional responsibility.

The Patriots are scheduled to practice Wednesday before traveling to Germany.

That session should provide the first formal indication of how several injured players are progressing.

For now, Brown’s absence against Detroit is confirmed, Stevenson’s status remains uncertain, and the Patriots face another week of difficult personnel decisions.