Myron

Pryor

Zusevics was placed on the reserve/NFI list, which functions the same as the reserve/PUP. Both players will be first eligible to return in Week 7 against the Jets. Pryor appeared in just two games last season before landing on injured reserve. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready by Week 7.

Pryor hasn’t played in a game since Week 2 of 2011. He also had his 2010 rookie season end short with a back issue. The likelihood of Pryor playing this season seems slim. The Patriots will roll with Brandon Deaderick and Ron Brace behind starters Kyle Love and Vince Wilfork.

It’s a blow to the Patriots’ depth up front. It sounds like Pryor suffered the injury in last week’s win over the Chargers. Pryor also landed on injured reserve last in his rookie season with a back injury. He had been one of the primary backups to Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth.

Pryor, a 2009 sixth-round pick, appeared in just 24 games over his first four years and hasn’t played a game since Week 2 of the 2011 season due to a torn pectoral. He has 34 career tackles and one sack.

Pryor played defensive tackle at Kentucky where he was named to the All-SEC Second Team as a senior. He’ll be fighting for a backup job in training camp.

Pryor, a versatile defensive lineman from Kentucky, was highly impressive in the preseason. He’s no longer available after the Seymour deal, but could make an instant impact for the Pats, who will give more 4-3 looks this year.

Green has been given a 2-4 week timetable for his recovery. Wright has played all over the defensive line this season and leads the team with four sacks. Rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace are also options to pick up the slack for Green.

The Patriots will be missing one of their key interior rushers in Pryor when they face the Steelers. Kyle Love could back up NT Vince Wilfork against an injury-ravaged Pittsburgh offensive line, although Reiss speculates that DE Gerard Warren could occasionally slide over from the right side in certain packages.

Assuming the Bears return to their smashmouth roots in a game where the tempo should be dictated by miserable weather, Wright and Pryor will be missed by a Pats’ defense looking to contain RBs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor. Although neither lineman has played in several weeks, New England is riding a four-game winning streak.