Bad News on Big Mike Now Official: Where Does Patriots Offensive Line Go From Here?

New England has a couple options at right guard, but the offensive line remains a work in progress.

by Hector Longo

Sep 22, 2026

New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

The bad news became official on Tuesday when the New England Patriots put guard Mike Onwenu on the injured reserve list.

Onwenu left Sunday’s game with a reported fractured ankle, forcing journeyman Greg Van Roten into action in the right guard slot.

Van Roten’s early returns were mixed, at best, a fact that can certainly be attributed to the presence of Steelers’ seven-time Pro Bowler Cam Heyward wreaking havoc up front.

A rock on the right side

The loss of Onwenu is gigantic. Onwenu has started 72 of 74 games (including playoffs) on the line since 2022 for the Patriots.

“It is heartbreaking when you see a guy like Mike who has played through injuries, been here since he was a rookie, playing multiple positions and just does the… He is just gritty,” said quarterback Drake Maye.

Next man or men up

But where does New England go from here?

The 36-year-old Van Roten had been pointed toward retirement after 11 NFL seasons, playing for six different teams. He signed with the Patriots on August 17 as a potential depth piece inside.

New England Patriots center Ben Brown (77)

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

An injury to Ben Brown, who had been penciled into the spot of reserve center/guard, back in the preseason necessitated the Van Roten be rostered at the final cutdown before the opener.

How much does Van Roten have left? Brown still might not be 100 percent, but at times in 2025, he was solid.

New faces, new places

With Alijah Vera-Tucker at left guard, Jared Wilson moving over to center after playing left guard a year ago, and now a new face at right guard, New England is playing with three-fifths of its offensive line residing in new territory.

“I think (Van Roten) had a few plays that he’d like to have back, so would everybody. But I thought he had some positive plays. Again, to go through an entire game, there are going to be some good ones, some bad ones and some ones that we have to eliminate,” said coach Mike Vrabel.

“So, I think that he stepped in there, was ready to go. Then we’ll have to kind of figure out who’s the next guy, and if it is Greg, then make sure that he’s as ready to go to work with Morgan (Moses) and Jared (Wilson) as (soon as) possible.”