Costly Win For Patriots
Patriots Defeat Steelers But Lose Starting Guard Mike Onwenu to Injury
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Key Points
1
Mike Onwenu was making his 92nd career start when he was injured; he had missed only three games in his career and led New England in offensive snaps in each of the previous two seasons.
2
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon had one catch for 30 yards before leaving with his thigh injury. He had scored New England’s first touchdown of the season in the Week 1 loss to Seattle.
3
Dre’Mont Jones’ injury is particularly consequential because the Patriots signed him to a three-year, $36.5 million contract this offseason, while veteran edge rusher Harold Landry remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and the team has limited proven depth behind Jones.
4
Jones was injured while making the sack-fumble on Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter. Before leaving, he had one tackle; he recorded two tackles and a sack in New England’s season opener.
5
New England’s defense dominated Pittsburgh’s offense in the victory, swarming the Steelers and allowing Aaron Rodgers little time to throw.
The New England Patriots won their first game of the 2026 season, defeating Pittsburgh 20-3, but the victory came at a steep cost. Starting right guard Mike Onwenu suffered a broken right ankle in the first quarter when Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt fell onto his legs, and NBC Sports reported the injury could sideline him for the season.
Onwenu was making his 92nd career start and had missed only three games in his entire Patriots tenure. His absence leaves New England with thin depth at an already fragile position on the offensive line, forcing veteran Greg Van Roten into action at right guard.
Onwenu's Ankle Injury Confirmed as Fracture
NFL Trade Rumors confirmed that Onwenu broke his right ankle after Watt's fall during the first-quarter play. Initial X-rays revealed the fracture. The 29-year-old had started every game for New England in both 2024 and 2025, leading the team in offensive snaps each season. His potential loss leaves the Patriots scrambling for solutions along the interior line.
Yahoo Sports reported that Onwenu was carted off the field and ruled out for the remainder of the game. The Patriots have not yet confirmed whether he will miss the entire season, but Archy Netys noted the severity remains uncertain. Greg Van Roten took over at right guard, the team's backup option at the position.
Multiple Injuries Pile Up in Week 2 Victory
Beyond Onwenu, the Patriots lost several contributors. Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones, signed to a three-year, $36.5 million deal in the offseason, left with a shoulder injury after recording a sack-fumble on Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon (thigh) and safety Dell Pettus (ankle) also departed. Cornerback Marcus Jones briefly left but returned.
Raridon had caught one pass for 30 yards before his thigh injury forced him out. He had scored New England's first touchdown of the season in Week 1's loss to Seattle. CBS Sports noted that Jones's absence compounds New England's edge-rusher depth issues, as veteran Harold Landry remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Patriots Defense Dominates Steelers in Lopsided Win
New England's defense overwhelmed Pittsburgh's offense, swarming the Steelers and giving Aaron Rodgers little time to throw. The 20-3 margin reflects how thoroughly the Patriots controlled the line of scrimmage and dictated the game's pace. The defensive unit's strength offers some relief after losing depth at multiple positions.
Jacksonville Visit Next With Fresh Injury Concerns
The Patriots travel to Jacksonville next Sunday for Week 3. The team is expected to provide updated diagnoses on Onwenu and other injured players before the game. Van Roten will likely start at right guard if Onwenu cannot go, putting New England's already thin offensive line under further strain as they prepare to face another division opponent.
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