Patriots coach Mike Vrabel rules out five players for Week 7 vs. Bears

The New England Patriots will be shorthanded on a short week, ahead of Thursday's primetime game against the Chicago Bears. When speaking to media members on Wednesday, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel officially ruled out cornerback Carlton Davis III, cornerback Karon Prunty, cornerback Channing Canada, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and offensive lineman Ben Brown for the Week 7 game. Davis returned to practice this week, but he won't be ready in time to return to game action. Meanwhile, there was less hope surrounding the potential availability of Vera-Tucker and Brown after they both went down with injuries last week against the New York Jets. Vera-Tucker is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Brown is dealing with a knee issue. That means the Patriots will once again lean on Charles Woods playing opposite star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. On the offensive line, it will be Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse filling in at the vacant guard positions. That creates serious concerns for the offense when facing a tough Bears defensive unit on the road. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook .