As the Patriots return from their bye, they are already preparing to take on the Bills in Foxboro in Week 15, a game that could determine the AFC East well before the end of the season.
Based on how the Bills played against the Bengals on Sunday, there is growing belief that the Patriots won't walk out the victor, as seen in the odds, and their chances just increased with the return of an injured star to practice on Monday.
During the early portion of practice, reporters like Mass Live's Mark Daniels noted that starting left guard Jared Wilson was participating, moving Ben Brown, who served in his absence last week, back to being the backup center.
Jared Wilson was back at practice and back at the top left guard spot. Ben Brown returned to backup center. pic.twitter.com/PGjmk4KRAW
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) December 8, 2025
This is the first time the rookie has been at practice since exiting the game against the Bengals on a cart with a leg injury. His prognosis was considered better than that of Will Campbell, who was placed on injured reserve, and it's clear that was accurate since he is practicing on Monday.
This is huge news for the offense ahead of a very tough rematch against the Bills, and should put them in better standing to sweep the reigning divisional champions for the first time in six years.
Jared Wilson's return from injury couldn't have happened at a better time for the Patriots
Although they left Cincinnati with the win, it wasn't a pretty showing for the Patriots, especially with the number of players who left the game with serious injuries.
The most notable was, of course, Campbell and Wilson, and their initial prognoses only made it look even worse. Fortunately, they were said to be able to return this season, which is crucial given they are set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and it looks like Wilson is back much sooner than anticipated.
Ben Brown was impressive filling in for Wilson against the Giants, and we saw that kind of performance from him last year when he was the starting center. He's a great backup to have, and if Wilson is unable to go this week, the Patriots' offense should still be in good hands with Brown on the field.
But if Wilson is able to go, the rookie can continue his standout season at left guard on Sunday.