Patriots place Mike Onwenu on injured reserve after ankle injury

The New England Patriots have placed right guard Mike Onwenu on injured reserve due to a fractured right ankle, sidelining him for at least four games. Onwenu was carted off during the team's recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following this, the Patriots promoted punter Mitch Wishnowsky from the practice squad. Veteran Greg Van Roten stepped in at right guard after Onwenu's injury, but depth issues remain as the team is down to limited interior offensive backups. Onwenu’s long-term status is uncertain as he is in the final year of his contract, while the team's injured reserve list now includes eight players.

• 10:52 PMYahoo Sports — What placing Mike Onwenu on injured reserve means for the Patriots