# New England Patriots offensive line injury crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-england-patriots-player-injuries > Updated: 2026-09-28T20:41:24.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 5. The New England Patriots’ offensive line depth has reached a crisis point following further injuries during their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Veteran Greg Van Roten, the oldest player on the roster at 36, sustained a thigh injury during the game. While initial reports suggested an ankle issue, the team confirmed the thigh injury and listed him as questionable to return. This injury compounds the loss of starting right guard Mike Onwenu, who was previously placed on injured reserve with a broken right ankle following a collision with T. J. Watt in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With both Onwenu and Van Roten sidelined, the team is shifting toward younger personnel, including Walter Rouse, who is transitioning from offensive tackle to guard to help stabilize the unit. Following a 35-6 loss to the Jaguars, head coach Mike Vrabel noted that Rouse, acquired via trade from the Minnesota Vikings, allowed four pressures and a sack during his relief appearance. While Vrabel stated Rouse “competed well,” he added that there is “room for improvement.” The team is now evaluating veteran Ben Brown, who previously missed the season opener with a preseason knee injury. Brown, who has experience at center and left guard, is expected to be involved in the rotation as the team awaits further medical results regarding Van Roten. In a recent development, the Patriots officially placed Van Roten on injured reserve, ensuring he will be sidelined for at least four games. This move further depletes the unit as the team, currently holding a 1-2 record, prepares for a Week 4 divisional matchup against the 3-0 Buffalo Bills. To protect quarterback Drake Maye, the team may continue to rely on Rouse and Brown, or potentially turn to rookie Caleb Lomu. ## Claims - The New England Patriots placed starting right guard Mike Onwenu on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Onwenu is required to miss at least four games. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Onwenu reportedly suffered a broken right ankle during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coach Mike Vrabel stated that Onwenu is not expected to be available in the short term. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Patriots promoted punter Mitch Wishnowsky to the active roster and signed tight end Tanner Conner to the practice squad. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: New England Patriots place guard Greg Van Roten on injured reserve The New England Patriots placed veteran guard Greg Van Roten on injured reserve with a thigh injury, leaving the team's offensive line severely depleted ahead of their Week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-england-patriots-offensive-line-faces-injury-setbacks ### 2026-09-26: New England Patriots face offensive line crisis as Greg Van Roten suffers injury Patriots veteran Greg Van Roten suffered a thigh injury against the Jaguars, further depleting New England's offensive line depth following Mike Onwenu's recent ankle injury. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-england-patriots-face-offensive-line-crisis-as-greg-van-roten-suffers-injury ### 2026-09-25: New England Patriots face Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 matchup The 1-1 New England Patriots face the 1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, with New England looking to improve its offense while relying on a top-tier defense. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-england-patriots-face-multiple-injuries-ahead-of-jaguars-game ### 2026-09-22: Mike Onwenu placed on injured reserve by New England Patriots The New England Patriots placed starting right guard Mike Onwenu on injured reserve after a reported broken ankle during their win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-onwenu-placed-on-injured-reserve-by-new-england-patriots ### 2026-09-20: New England Patriots suffer multiple key injuries against Steelers The New England Patriots faced multiple key injuries during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including starting guard Mike Onwenu and edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-england-patriots-suffer-multiple-key-injuries-against-steelers --- Cite as: New England Patriots offensive line injury crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-england-patriots-player-injuries