# Patriots place G Mike Onwenu on injured reserve

> New England loses its starting right guard to an ankle injury sustained in Sunday's win over Pittsburgh.
- Title: Patriots place G Mike Onwenu on injured reserve · NBC Sports
- Summary: New England loses its starting right guard to an ankle injury sustained in Sunday's win over Pittsburgh. Mike Onwenu's broken ankle forces the Patriots to…
- Keywords: new england patriots, mike onwenu, injured reserve, ankle injury, offensive line, greg van roten, mike vrabel, nfl, sports, Patriots, place, Mike
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/patriots-place-g-mike-onwenu-on-injured-reserve
- Published: 2026-09-22T20:15:53.689+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new england patriots, mike onwenu, injured reserve, ankle injury, offensive line, greg van roten, mike vrabel, nfl, sports
## Onwenu sidelined with ankle injury
Patriots right guard Mike Onwenu left Sunday's win over the Steelers with an ankle injury that was later reported as broken. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed he won't be available in the short term.
## Van Roten steps in at right guard
Greg Van Roten replaced Onwenu in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh and is expected to continue in the role while the starter recovers.
## Vrabel considers lineup adjustments
Coach Mike Vrabel did not rule out moving first-round pick Caleb Lomu from tackle or making other changes to address the gap left by Onwenu's absence.
## Wishnowsky elevated from practice squad
The Patriots signed punter Mitch Wishnowsky off their practice squad to fill the roster spot created by Onwenu's move to injured reserve. Wishnowsky was elevated for each of New England's first two games.
## Conner joins practice squad
Tight end Tanner Conner was signed to the practice squad as part of New England's roster moves following Onwenu's placement on injured reserve.
## Key takeaway

Mike Onwenu's broken ankle forces the Patriots to shuffle their offensive line and elevate backup Greg Van Roten.