Patriots move starting right tackle Trent Brown to injured reserve with calf issue

The New England Patriots moved starting right tackle Trent Brown to injured reserve on the eve of Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Texans, according to the NFL transaction wire.

Brown, who exited with a calf strain seven snaps into New England’s season opener, had not participated in practice this week after previously doing so in a limited capacity.

The 28-year-old was ruled out on the final injury report and will miss an additional three games while on injured reserve.

New England previously turned to August trade acquisition Yasir Durant and 2020 sixth-round pick Justin Herron on the right side in the absence of Brown, who had started all 19 games up through Super Bowl LIII on the left side. The 6-foot-8, 380-pound bookend spent the past two campaigns with the Las Vegas Raiders before being reacquired in March.

The Patriots’ starting five will now visit NRG Stadium without four. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn and left guard Mike Onwenu remain on the Covid-19 reserve list while right guard Shaq Mason had also been ruled out as a result of an abdomen injury.

A trio of offensive lineman have been called up from the practice squad for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff versus Houston.