Mike Onwenu was placed on injured reserve by the New England Patriots on Tuesday after suffering a right-ankle injury late in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team announced Onwenu will miss at least four weeks, and veteran lineman Greg Van Roten will assume right guard duties immediately while the Patriots fill the roster spot.
Mike Onwenu
The roster move opens a 53-man spot that New England filled by signing punter Mitch Wishnowsky. The placement on injured reserve and the minimum four-week absence were reported by the Associated Press and published by The Portland Press Herald.
What happened on the play vs. Pittsburgh
Onwenu left the game late in the first quarter after his right ankle was rolled up on during a play that ended in pressure on quarterback Drake Maye. The play resulted in a tackle credited in part to T.J. Watt, and television replay showed a twisting motion to the ankle. That visual description is drawn from TV replay and is not a medical diagnosis.
Onwenu was able to stand and move to a cart under his own power but did not return to the game. Following the contest New England evaluated the injury and made the IR designation, initiating the roster adjustments reported by the AP/Portland Press Herald.
Immediate roster moves and replacements
The Patriots used the opened roster spot to sign Mitch Wishnowsky to the 53-man roster. Wishnowsky handled punting duties in the victory over Pittsburgh and had been on the practice squad following training camp. With Bryce Baringer already on injured reserve, Wishnowsky’s promotion ensures continuity in the kicking game while the roster is adjusted.
Greg Van Roten stepped in late in the first quarter and will take the starting snaps at right guard while Onwenu is on IR. Van Roten was signed by New England in August and brings multi-season starting experience at interior line spots. The Patriots will rely on his familiarity with NFL protections and communication to steady the line as they test combinations in practice.
By the numbers: short-term availability
The only confirmed timeline released with the transaction is the standard IR minimum noted by the team: Onwenu will miss at least four weeks. The Patriots and their medical staff have not provided additional specifics about the recovery process, and there has been no public indication that surgery is required. Visual descriptions from broadcast replay are observational and not a substitute for a medical evaluation.
What this means for New England’s O-line and Drake Maye
Losing a starting right guard and replacing him midgame reshuffles interior depth and places a premium on continuity and communication among the line’s five players. With Greg Van Roten stepping in, the Patriots gain a veteran presence who can help with pre-snap adjustments and on-field line calls. That experience matters for coordinating protections against stunts and late blitzes.
For quarterback Drake Maye, the immediate practical impacts are about consistency of protection and timing. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the coaching staff may emphasize quicker release passes, more quick-game concepts and expanded use of tight-end chip blocks or backs staying in to help on obvious pressure looks. Using a reliable blocker such as tight end Hunter Henry for chip-and-release protection or additional slide protections can reduce extended scramble situations while the interior unit tests its rhythm.
Coaches will also evaluate center-right guard communication, as snap timing and double-team reads are a frequent source of early-season issues when a new starter moves into the lineup. Those schematic adjustments are standard procedures to protect a developing quarterback and to limit chances for pressure that lead to turnovers or sacks.
What remains unclear
Key unknowns include the exact recovery timetable beyond the four-week minimum and whether Onwenu will require any procedure or a specific rehabilitation plan. The team has not provided further medical details, and no source has reported a definitive return date.
It’s also uncertain how long Van Roten will remain the primary right guard. That will depend on his performance in regular-season games and practice, how other linemen respond in drills, and whether New England makes any additional roster moves to add depth. The Patriots will likely use practice windows and game snaps to evaluate the best long-term interior combination while balancing immediate protection needs for Maye.
Source attribution and photos
This report is based on reporting by the Associated Press as published by The Portland Press Herald on 2026-09-22. For the original story, see: Patriots place right guard Mike Onwenu on IR.
For additional coach comments and roster context, see the Patriots Report coverage of the Mike Vrabel Press Conference 6 9.
Reporting and transaction details credited to the Associated Press and The Portland Press Herald.
