New England Patriots starting right guard Mike Onwenu was carted off the field late in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a right ankle injury. The injury occurred when quarterback Drake Maye was sacked and Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt landed on the back of Onwenu's legs. Onwenu, 28, is a seven-year veteran and the longest-tenured Patriot after being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. Durability has been a hallmark of his career, as Sunday marked his 100th career regular-season game and 92nd start. He is in the final year of his contract in 2026.

In addition to Onwenu, starting outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and was ruled out early in the third quarter. Veteran Greg Van Roten, signed to a one-year, $3 million deal on Aug. 18, took over for Onwenu.

The Patriots also ruled out safety Craig Woodson (shoulder), reserve safety Dell Pettus (ankle), and tight end Eli Raridon (thigh) after they sustained injuries during the game.