The injury came during a sequence that began with the Patriots taking an early 10-0 lead. TreVeyon Henderson scored a 39-yard touchdown, followed by a 30-yard field goal from Andy Borregales. Henderson had just returned from an ankle injury that kept him out of the season opener, and his early scoring contribution gave the Patriots’ offense a much-needed spark. Borregales later added a 45-yard field goal to push the lead to 13-3.
With 13:37 left in the fourth quarter, Elijah Ponder recovered a fumble by Aaron Rodgers after a strip-sack by defensive lineman Christian Barmore, returning it 19 yards for a touchdown to help secure a 20-3 win for New England.
The loss of Onwenu forced adjustments up front as the Patriots had to reshuffle their protection around quarterback Drake Maye. Veteran lineman Greg Van Roten entered at right guard, leaving Maye to operate behind a reworked interior line facing a Steelers front led by Watt. The situation placed additional responsibility on Maye to keep the offense on schedule. Maye had spoken earlier in the week about a quarterback’s role in elevating teammates and delivering quick throws, an idea that carried extra weight as the unit adapted to the injury.
Onwenu’s absence marked a significant moment for a 28-year-old who has been a cornerstone of the Patriots’ line since joining as a sixth-round pick in 2020. The game was his 100th regular-season appearance and 92nd start, underscoring his value to the team’s blocking scheme.
Despite the disruption, the offense managed to produce a productive performance, with Maye finishing 14 of 22 for 208 yards and one interception. The win improved New England’s standing, but the team left the field managing several other injuries in addition to Onwenu.
In addition to Onwenu, other players left Sunday’s game with injuries, including defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, tight end Eli Raridon, wide receiver Dell Pettus, and outside linebacker Craig Woodson. The Patriots’ depth was tested, and coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the challenge of preparing a full slate of players each week, emphasizing that sometimes players must be ready to step in even if they don’t start.
Morgan Moses provided steady support on the line alongside Onwenu, offering praise for his longtime teammate and acknowledging the difficulty of losing a player of Onwenu’s caliber. The team will await further medical updates to determine the extent of the ankle injury and the potential impact on the lineup moving forward.
Overall, the Patriots secured the victory, but the immediate concern centers on Onwenu’s status and how the roster will respond if his injury is longer-term. With Maye managing the offense under pressure and the defense generating timely stops, New England demonstrated resilience, depth, and a readiness to adapt in the face of injuries. The team will now evaluate the best path forward as they review results from Week 2 and plan for upcoming matchups.
