New England Patriots land in injury hell as FIVE players leave Steelers game in nightmare scenario
The New England Patriots Week 2 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers proved costly for the defending AFC champions.
After dropping February’s Super Bowl and last week’s NFL season opener to the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Vrabel’s team lost five players to injury in the early going against the Steelers on Sunday in Foxborough.
While all appeared serious, right guard Mike Onwenu’s right leg fracture was easily the most gruesome on Sunday. The veteran offensive lineman’s leg appeared to bend in the wrong direction as he fell over Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt at the end of one play.
Veteran guard Greg Van Roten, who was recently signed by the Patriots, stepped up for Onwenu on the right side.
Edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones appeared to hurt his shoulder, rookie tight end Eli Raridon suffered a thigh injury and cornerback Marcus Jones went down with a leg injury before returning, while safety and special teams contributor Dell Pettus had an ankle issue.
Onwenu was the only player to be immediately declared out.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
New England Patriots defensive end Dre’Mont Jones (5) reacts after an apparent injury
New England Patriots offensive line Mike Onwenu (71) is carted off after an apparent injury
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel watches as trainers check on Mike Onwenu
