The Patriots ruled out rookie left guard Jared Wilson and special-teams captain Brenden Schooler for Monday night.
Wilson and Schooler are both dealing with ankle injuries and haven’t practiced this week. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest) and outside linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) are both questionable to play.
Expect Ben Brown to fill in at left guard in Wilson’s absence. Schooler is one of the top special teams players in the NFL.
“Gunners will have to work, and Miles (Battle) will get a shot, and Dell (Pettus) get a shot out there, and everybody else and Woodsy (Charles Woods),” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “It’s hard to replace a guy that has had that much success on special teams, but those other guys have stepped up and helped us, as well. I’ll be a group effort and how critical that gunner position is out there when we punt.”
If Tonga can’t play, then Cory Durden will likely step into a starting role next to Christian Barmore with rookies Joshua Farmer and Eric Gregory filling in depth. The Patriots also could elevate defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad.
Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson are starting edge defenders. The Patriots also have Anfernee Jennings, Caleb Murphy and rookies Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson on their 53-man roster. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who has returned from a personal issue, can also play on the edge.
Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was ruled out. That makes life a little easier for backup left tackle Vederian Lowe with Will Campbell on injured reserve.
