The New England Patriots' offensive line has been dealt another crushing blow. On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the organization officially placed veteran guard Greg Van Roten on injured reserve, sidelining him for a minimum of four games. The move, reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, further depletes a unit already reeling from the loss of starting right guard Mike Onwenu, who suffered a broken ankle just a week prior.
A Brutal Chain of Injuries
Van Roten, 36, was thrust into the starting lineup against the Jacksonville Jaguars after Onwenu's injury. But in the second quarter of what became a 35-6 rout at EverBank Stadium, the veteran exited for the blue medical tent with a thigh injury and did not return. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team had no choice but to shut him down for at least a month.
In his place, August trade acquisition Walter Rouse played the final 41 offensive snaps. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Van Roten had been a late-summer addition, signing a one-year deal after a tryout in Foxborough. His absence leaves the Patriots scrambling for depth along the interior.
Van Roten's Journeyman Career
A veteran of 147 games and 106 starts, Van Roten began his career as an undrafted rookie in 2012. The former All-Ivy League tackle out of Penn has suited up for nine NFL teams and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts. In 2024 and 2025 with the New York Giants, he played every offensive snap, showcasing remarkable durability. Now, at 36, he faces another rehabilitation battle.
"You never want to lose a player of Greg's experience," a team source told Vulius. "But this is the nature of the NFL. We have to adapt."
Roster Moves and Upcoming Challenge
New England now has two vacant spots on the active roster after multiple IR placements, and the team released linebacker Riley Wilson from the practice squad on Tuesday. Wilson, 24, originally signed as an undrafted free agent in July and had been a practice-squad fixture. The Patriots, now 1-2, will visit the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, where they'll face a fierce division rival without two key blockers.
As highlighted on Vulius, the Patriots' depth will be tested mightily. For fans looking to support the team, official custom NFL merchandise is available at Vulius.com, where you can find jerseys and gear for every player. Stay tuned for more updates from the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.
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