New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick acknowledged that the team’s injury luck, which helped them win 14 games and a division title in 2025, has taken a turn after the Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
Key offensive losses
Starting right guard Mike Onwenu was carted off with a broken ankle in the first quarter and is expected to miss several weeks. Onwenu, who led the league in pass‑blocking grades for guards in Week 1 and played 98.7% of offensive snaps last season, was a major blow to the line.
Veteran Greg Van Roten, signed in August, is likely to step in. Van Roten started all 17 games for three consecutive seasons and will need to quickly sync with fellow linemen Morgan Moses and Jared Wilson.
Wide‑receiver concerns
Star receiver A.J. Brown, acquired in June for a 2028 first‑round and a 2027 fifth‑round pick, suffered a high‑ankle sprain in the season‑opening loss to Seattle and is out for four to six weeks.
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon left Sunday’s game with a thigh injury, leaving veteran Hunter Henry as the primary pass‑catcher at the position if Raridon cannot return for Week 3.
Defensive setbacks
Safety Craig Woodson exited with a shoulder injury and now wears a sling. Woodson was the highest‑graded defensive back on the Patriots according to Pro Football Focus on Sunday. Backup safety Dell Pettus also left with an ankle injury, raising concerns about depth at safety.
If Woodson or Pettus miss additional time, the Patriots may turn to practice‑ squad players or give a larger role to recent acquisition Jaylen Reed, obtained in the Kayshon Boutte trade.
Cornerback Carlton Davis missed the Steelers game due to a neck injury, prompting Charles Woods to step in and play 86% of defensive snaps.
Edge‑rusher injuries
Veteran edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, a marquee offseason addition, left with a shoulder injury. However, newcomers Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder filled the gap, each recording tackles, quarterback hits, and a sack‑related fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Looking ahead
Belichick admitted the roster lacks depth, a concern that will be tested as the Patriots travel to Jacksonville next week and then face the first‑place Buffalo Bills on the road.
Despite the setbacks, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of “next‑man‑up” performances and praised the players who stepped in without hesitation.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
