The Patriots have not fared well on the injury front this season, as they lost wide receiver A.J. Brown last week against the Seahawks, and now they have lost starting right guard Mike Onwenu, who was carted off the field to end the first quarter.
The veteran was hit from behind by pass rusher T.J. Watt, and based on how Onwenu responded, with some hearing screams on the broadcast, it's clear that he suffered a serious injury. The Patriots made it clear by ruling him out almost immediately.
It was a gruesome injury that looks like he might have broken his ankle, which is an even more devastating injury since that would mean he almost certainly won't return this season. And now the Patriots have to turn to their backup linemen, with seasoned veteran Greg Van Roten stepping in right away.
They also have Ben Brown and Walter Rouse available if they need to make any more changes. But for now, they're fortunate to have an experienced player ready to take over after disaster.
Mike Onwenu's injury puts a lot of pressure on an already scrutinized offensive line
Having only missed two games in his seven-year career with the Patriots, Onwenu has been as consistent and reliable as they come for this offensive line. It's what earned him a hefty extension during the 2024 offseason, making him an anchor of an ever-changing roster in front of Drake Maye.
Morgan Moses and Onwenu have become a solid duo on the right side of the quarterback, helping the run game and creating opportunities for Maye when the left side struggled. That's a bit more questionable now that Onwenu is out for the foreseeable future.
Van Roten will likely be his permanent replacement, unless he fails to play as consistently as he has throughout his career.
He never missed a snap during his two years with the Giants, demonstrating he can be the kind of player the team needs when their best lineman goes down. The 36-year-old has the experience to help Moses on the right side and make it hard to notice when Onwenu isn't on the field, which will be crucial with an incredibly difficult schedule for the rest of the month and beyond.
The same can be said now that the defense has lost Dre'Mont Jones, who was rolled up on the Steelers' last offensive series and immediately left the game for the locker room.
Latest updates on Patriots growing list of injuries
- Pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones left the game in the second quarter with what is reportedly a shoulder injury and is considered questionable to return. As of 2:44 pm, he has been ruled OUT.
- Rookie tight end Eli Raridon, who caught a 30-yard pass in this game and scored the only touchdown against the Seahawks, left the game with a thigh injury.
- Safety Dell Pettus is heading to the locker room after a visit to the blue medical tent with an ankle injury.
- Cornerback Marcus Jones stays down on the field right before halftime, grabbing his knee. He returned to the game after missing just one play.
- Safety Craig Woodson is headed to the locker room in the third quarter.
Updated at @ 3:02 p.m. EST
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