In a challenging turn of events for the New England Patriots, both Brenden Schooler and Jared Wilson have been ruled out for their upcoming Monday night matchup against the New York Giants due to ankle injuries sustained in last week’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This loss significantly impacts the team’s special teams and offensive line depth.
With Schooler, who has been a key player on special teams, participating in 82.1 percent of snaps, coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the difficulty in replacing such a pivotal contributor. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, stating that others like Miles Battle, Charles Woods, and Dell Pettus will have opportunities to step into the breach. “It’s hard to replace a guy that’s had that much success on special teams,” Vrabel noted. “We’ll approach it as a group effort.”
Ben Brown is set to start in Wilson’s position, further testing the Patriots’ depth as they already face injuries to defensive tackle Milton Williams and left tackle Will Campbell, both of whom are on injured reserve. The team is also monitoring edge rusher Harold Landry (knee) and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest), both of whom are listed as questionable to play. If Tonga is unable to suit up, it could weaken New England’s run defense, which has been pivotal in containing opposing rushing attacks.
Historically, the Patriots have managed well despite injuries, relying heavily on their defensive strategies. However, with the Giants averaging 137.5 rushing yards over their last four games, including contributions from mobile quarterback Jaxson Dart, the matchup presents a formidable challenge. The Giants feature impactful backs like Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary, which could exploit any weaknesses in New England’s defensive line if key players are sidelined.
On a positive note, the Patriots are set to welcome back inside linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who missed the previous game for personal reasons but returned to practice this week. His presence could bolster the defense as they prepare for the test ahead against a determined Giants team.
In contrast, the Giants will also face their challenges, missing edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux due to a shoulder injury, alongside several other questionable defensive players. Both teams will be looking to prove their depth and adaptability as they head into this critical matchup.