The New England Patriots enter Thursday Night Football one less an offensive lineman. Which surely impacts Patriots quarterback Drake Maye's chances to outduel Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. Star lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker will sit this one out.

The franchise itself announced that the interior lineman is going on injured reserve, with the decision made nearly four hours before kickoff.

Vera-Tucker is dealing with a bad hamstring that'll prevent him from opening up running lanes or protecting Maye. By landing on IR, he'll miss up to four games.

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So in a corresponding move, the Pats elevated Xavier Newman-Johnson to the active roster. Newman-Johnson will help fill Vera-Tucker's guard spot against the NFC North franchise.

This story will be updated.