FOXBORO – Shaq Mason has been a model of consistency over the years. With his solid play, the starting right guard has also been very dependable for the Patriots offensive line. That’s what made the last three weeks so difficult.

Mason hasn’t suited up since Week 8 in Buffalo. That’s when the 25-year-old suffered a calf injury. He’s missed the last two Patriots games against Green Bay and Tennessee, but is coming out of the bye week with three weeks of [...]

FOXBORO – Shaq Mason has been a model of consistency over the years. With his solid play, the starting right guard has also been very dependable for the Patriots offensive line. That’s what made the last three weeks so difficult.

Mason hasn’t suited up since Week 8 in Buffalo. That’s when the 25-year-old suffered a calf injury. He’s missed the last two Patriots games against Green Bay and Tennessee, but is coming out of the bye week with three weeks of rest and feels ready to go this weekend against the New York Jets.

“I’m ready to go. I love playing football, so that’s what I want to do,” Mason said. “So those weeks that I was out, you know, it was tough, but now, we had a bye and we have New York this week. It’s time to get the ball back rolling.”

A fourth-round pick in 2015, Mason missed two games in a row his rookie season with a knee injury. Since then, nothing has been able to stop him from playing - not even a broken hand in the summer of the 2016. Mason played in all 16 games over the past two seasons for the Patriots. He developed into one of the best guards in the NFL. Last week, Pro Football Focus had Mason graded as the third best guard in the NFL.

When Mason was out, Ted Karras filled in at right guard. The offensive line had some ups and downs – Brady was sacked five times in two games – but the Patriots offensive line was also dealing with an injury to left tackle Trent Brown, who left the Tennessee game.

“Ted always does a good job. He’s a great player. We have guys that step up and that’s part of the game,” Mason said. “That’s part of having a deep o-line and offensive line that can run well regardless of who’s in and who’s out. It’s a testament to Ted for those two weeks of stepping up and being called on.”

When Mason was out, he prepared the same way he does every week – by diving into film. But when the game came, he was just a spectator. That’s not something he’s grown accustomed to over the years and hopes to be watching the remaining six games on the field.

“I love being out there with my guys, grinding, so it’s been difficult because as a football player, it’s what you want to do,” Mason said. “You know, we’ve got good trainers and I’m working my way back.”