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, the Patriots placed 16 players on injured reserve all season.
Among the 17 players the Patriots have placed on injured reserve include 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.