Patriots Take 10-3 halftime lead but injuries put dampener on game

The Patriots have jumped out to an early lead over the Steelers, but the offense suffered a significant loss during New England's second scoring drive.

Right guard Mike Onwenu was carted off the field with a right ankle injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly afterward.

Onwenu has been one of the Patriots' most reliable offensive linemen, starting all 17 games in each of the last two seasons. His departure leaves a major hole on the offensive line, particularly with New England trying to establish its running game and protect Drake Maye.

The Patriots had already built a 10-0 lead when Onwenu went down. TreVeyon Henderson opened the scoring with an impressive 39-yard touchdown run in the first quarter before Andy Borregales added a 30-yard field goal early in the second.

The early lead is encouraging, but the Patriots will now have to adjust without one of their most consistent offensive players for the rest of the afternoon.