Patriots’ Jared Wilson Carted Off Amid Bengals Clash

CINCINNATI, Ohio — New England Patriots left guard Jared Wilson was injured during the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The injury occurred on the third play of the game when Wilson hurt his ankle while blocking for running back TreVeyon Henderson during a 2-yard run.

Wilson, who is 22 years old and a third-round draft pick from Georgia, walked off the field slowly, limping noticeably. He briefly entered the medical tent but needed assistance to get onto a cart for further evaluation in the training room. The Patriots have listed him as questionable to return to the game.

Registered as one of the key players on the offensive line, Wilson had started 10 of the team’s 11 games this season. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised Wilson for his quick learning abilities during training camp, highlighting his development as critical to the Patriots’ success this year.

“He was able to show, for a young player, some of those things to be ready when he got his opportunity to be on the field,” Vrabel said in July.

With Wilson sidelined, offensive lineman Ben Brown, a 27-year-old from Ole Miss, stepped in to take his place. Brown has played in every game this season but only made one previous start. He was signed from the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad last year and started 10 games then. His experience will be essential to help protect quarterback Drake Maye during the matchup.

The Patriots have struggled early in the game, punting on their first possession. The Bengals, who entered the game sporting the worst defense in the league, were positioned to exploit any weaknesses in New England’s offensive line, especially with Wilson’s departure.

If Wilson’s injury proves to be serious, it could significantly impact the Patriots’ offensive strategy moving forward. The team needs strong performances from its offensive line to keep Maye upright and maintain their momentum as they try to secure a playoff position.