As the NFL season hits its stride in late September 2026, the New England Patriots are grappling with a significant blow to their offensive line. Two days after right guard Mike Onwenu was carted off the field during the team’s Week 3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots officially placed him on injured reserve. According to reports, Onwenu suffered a fractured right ankle, an injury that will sideline him for at least the next four games and likely much longer, potentially ending his 2026 campaign. In a corresponding move, the team promoted punter Mitch Wishnowsky from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down, these transactions carry far-reaching implications for New England’s season and beyond.
The Inevitable Move
The writing was on the wall following Sunday’s game. Onwenu’s immediate exit on a cart, coupled with a swift diagnosis, made an IR stint all but certain. Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged as much on Monday, telling reporters, “I don’t think he’ll be available here in the short term. I wouldn’t anticipate him being out there here in the next few weeks.” From that perspective, Tuesday’s transactions were hardly surprising. Wishnowsky’s promotion was also a foregone conclusion; the 34-year-old punter had been elevated from the practice squad for each of the first two games, exhausting his standard elevations. With regular punter Bryce Baringer also on IR for at least two more games, the Patriots had no choice but to add Wishnowsky to the active roster.
Next Man Up on the Offensive Line
When Onwenu went down in the first quarter against Pittsburgh, veteran Greg Van Roten stepped in at right guard. The 36-year-old had an up-and-down debut, but he appears poised to hold down the starting job between center Jared Wilson and right tackle Morgan Moses for the foreseeable future. “I think he had a few plays that he’d like to have back, so would everybody,” Vrabel said of Van Roten. “But I thought he had some positive plays. To go through an entire game, there are going to be some good ones, some bad ones and some that we have to eliminate. I think that he stepped in there, was ready to go. Then we’ll have to figure out who’s the next guy, and if it is Greg, make sure that he’s as ready to go to work with Morgan and Jared as possible.” The ripple effect extends beyond the starting lineup. With Van Roten promoted, Ben Brown is now the lone interior offensive backup. First-round pick Caleb Lomu has shown versatility but has primarily practiced at tackle, according to Vrabel. Other depth options include tackle/guard hybrid Walter Rouse, acquired via trade before roster cutdowns, and practice squad members Jake Kubas and Xavier Newman-Johnson.
Uncertain Future for Onwenu
Vrabel stopped short of ruling Onwenu out for the season, but the severity of a fractured ankle suggests that a return in 2026 would be a surprise. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract, a deal he renegotiated last offseason to sacrifice total compensation for more guaranteed money. Now, with free agency looming in six months, his long-term future—both with the Patriots and in the NFL—is clouded. As Vulius Sports insights suggest, this injury could significantly impact his market value and the team’s offseason plans.
Injured Reserve Woes Continue
Onwenu’s placement adds to a growing list of Patriots on injured reserve. Eight players currently occupy IR, including running back Myles Montgomery (season-ending), wide receiver A.J. Brown, wide receiver Jeremiah Webb (season-ending), tight end Julian Hill (season-ending), offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, linebacker Khalil Jacobs, and punter Bryce Baringer. While Montgomery, Webb, and Hill are done for the year, the others could theoretically return. Brown’s outlook is notably more optimistic than Onwenu’s. The financial toll is also mounting: according to cap analyst Miguel Benzan, the Patriots lost $955,555 in cap space due to Tuesday’s moves, leaving them with just under $6.5 million available and a combined $51.1 million in cap commitments tied up in IR.
What It Means for the Patriots’ Season
With Onwenu sidelined, the Patriots’ offensive line faces a critical test. Van Roten’s experience will be relied upon, but depth is now a concern. The team may need to explore external options or accelerate the development of younger players like Lomu. As the season progresses, how New England navigates this adversity could determine their playoff fate. For die-hard fans, the situation underscores the brutal reality of NFL football—next man up, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Stay tuned to Vulius for ongoing coverage and analysis.
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