New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stopped short of declaring starting right guard Mike Onwenu's season over, but his comments made it clear the 28-year-old is facing an extended absence after suffering a broken right ankle in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Onwenu was carted off late in the first quarter after Pittsburgh linebacker TJ Watt landed on the back of his legs following a sack of quarterback Drake Maye. Initial X-rays showed a fracture, although Vrabel would only confirm that Onwenu had sustained an ankle injury.

“He hurt his ankle,” Vrabel told reporters on Monday. “I think you guys could see that on TV.”

He added that he would not expect Onwenu to be back within the next few weeks, leaving the possibility of a longer absence open.

Onwenu has been with New England since being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has appeared in 100 regular-season games, starting 92. Sunday was his 100th career regular-season appearance. He has also played five postseason games, including four starts.

Onwenu is in the final season of his contract, making this injury an important development in his Patriots tenure. He had reworked his contract during the offseason, reducing his 2026 cap hit by $7.5 million while receiving an additional $10 million in guaranteed money.

Greg Van Roten stepped into the right guard spot after Onwenu left Sunday's game. The 36-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $3 million contract on Aug. 18 and surrendered two hurries against the Steelers, according to PFF tracking.

New England has other possibilities on its roster. Ben Brown has experience at guard and center, while Walter Rouse has added guard work after primarily playing tackle. Practice-squad linemen Jake Kubas and Xavier Newman-Johnson have also made NFL starts at guard.

The Patriots could eventually consider moving 2026 first-round selection Caleb Lomu from tackle to guard if Onwenu misses the remainder of the season. Vrabel had previously said Lomu would receive guard repetitions, although that did not happen during training camp.

Onwenu's injury was one of several suffered Sunday. Starting outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones left with a shoulder issue, while safety Craig Woodson, reserve safety Dell Pettus and tight end Eli Raridon were also ruled out with injuries.