FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Initial X-rays revealed that New England Patriots starting right guard Mike Onwenu has a broken right ankle, a source said.
Onwenu was carted off the field late in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The injury came on a play when quarterback Drake Maye was sacked and Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt landed on the back of Onwenu's legs.
"It is heartbreaking when you see a guy like Mike, who has played through injuries, been here since he was a rookie ... he is just gritty. He leaves it all out there," quarterback Drake Maye said.
In addition to Onwenu, starting outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. After initially announcing Jones' return as questionable, the Patriots ruled Jones out early in the third quarter.
Onwenu is a seven-year veteran who has the longest tenure with the Patriots after being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 draft.
Durability has been one of his calling cards, as Sunday marked his 100th career regular-season game and 92nd start. A Michigan alum, he also has played in five postseason games (four starts).
Onwenu, 28, is in the final year of his contract in 2026.
Veteran Greg Van Roten, whom the Patriots signed to a one-year, $3 million deal on Aug. 18, took over for Onwenu.
The Patriots also ruled out starting safety Craig Woodson (shoulder), reserve safety Dell Pettus (ankle) and No. 2 tight end Eli Raridon (thigh) after they sustained injuries during the game.
