The New England Patriots just got hit with what might be their most crushing injury of the season. Right guard Mike Onwenu, arguably the most consistent guy on their offensive line, went down hard against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, breaking his right ankle in the first quarter. He is now on injured reserve, and it sounds like he is out for most, if not all, of the 2026 season. This is a massive blow, and the Patriots need to find someone to fill that void, like, yesterday.
Meet the New Guard: Greg Van Roten Steps Up
When Onwenu went down, Greg Van Roten, a training camp pickup, immediately stepped in. He played the final 40 snaps of that 20-3 victory over Pittsburgh, lining up between center Jared Wilson and right tackle Morgan Moses. Coach Mike Vrabel admitted Van Roten “had a few plays that he’d like to have back” but also pointed out he “had some positive plays.” Look, you don’t just jump in cold and play perfectly, right? But the Pats are banking on Van Roten to be the long-term answer. Vrabel was hyping him up, saying Van Roten “has played a bunch of games” and “started three years in a row.” The coach called the 36-year-old “a smart player, good size, and I think, crafty.” Crafty is a great word for it. Vrabel even dropped an “Eddie Harris from Major League” comparison, noting that when you are not 26 anymore, you have to use “tricks of the trade.” That is awesome. Van Roten, who entered the league in 2012, has played for nine NFL franchises and a CFL team, racking up 185 contests, including 51 straight starts from 2023 to 2025. That kind of experience and savvy is exactly what this O-line needs right now.
Who Else Is in the Mix?
While Van Roten is clearly the frontrunner, the Patriots are doing their homework. They are giving other backup O-linemen a shot too, with Ben Brown and Walter Rouse getting opportunities to practice. Vrabel mentioned Rouse, a player they got from Minnesota, has been “working really hard.” Brown is “back and working” as well. They plan to get “a bunch of guys in there the next couple days and try to make a decision.” But honestly, with Van Roten’s history, it feels like his job to lose. Left tackle Will Campbell summed it up perfectly: “As much as we need Mike and all that stuff, it’s Week 3. We can’t just fold.” He said the team has “a lot of faith and trust in the guys in the room for a reason” and is “excited for someone to step around and fill that role.” That is the attitude you want to hear!
The Patriots face the Jacksonville Jaguars next. The offensive line, whatever its final configuration, needs to gel fast and protect the pocket. Onwenu’s absence is huge, but the team’s belief in its depth and a veteran like Van Roten will be tested immediately.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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