FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Infrastructure around struggling quarterback Drake Maye took another hit Tuesday when the New England Patriots placed veteran guard Greg Van Roten on injured reserve -- another reminder that the team's run of good health contributing to its surprising run to Super Bowl LX hasn't carried into 2026.
Van Roten, who started in Sunday's blowout loss to the Jaguars in place of opening-day starter Mike Onwenu (broken ankle), is the 17th player the Patriots have placed on injured reserve and/or reached an injury settlement with this season. Last season, New England placed 16 players on injured reserve all season.
Among the 17 players the team has placed on injured reserve are Onwenu, No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown, No. 2 tight end Julian Hill, top backup safety Dell Pettus, top backup offensive tackle Marcus Bryant and punter Bryce Baringer.
Van Roten, 36, was knocked out of Sunday's game in the second quarter with a thigh injury, according to the team.
Maye, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the game, faced a 47% pressure rate, according to ESPN Research. That is the highest rate he has faced this season and the fourth highest of his three-year career.
Maye went 4-of-9 with an interception when pressured Sunday and has completed 41% of his passes under pressure this season, with no touchdowns and three interceptions, according to ESPN Research.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel foreshadowed Monday that the team was preparing to be without Van Roten when he said backup center Ben Brown would likely take repetitions at right guard this week. When Van Roten left Sunday's game, third-year veteran Walter Rouse -- who was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 30 -- took his place.
New England had signed Van Roten, who is in his 12th NFL season, to a one-year, $3 million contract Aug.18.
The Patriots (1-2) visit the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills (3-0) on Sunday.
