Report: Patriots’ best offensive lineman expected to return vs Dolphins
Reinforcements could be on the way for the New England Patriots’ makeshift offensive line.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Patriots’ starting offensive guard Mike Onwenu, who missed all of the preseason with an ankle injury, could be preparing to make his 2023 regular season debut against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Barring a surprise, the Patriots are reportedly expecting Onwenu to be available to play in the game.
That’s big news coming a week after the team used a mixture of rookies Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow to cover up the holes at guard in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cole Strange, the Patriots’ other starting guard, was listed as questionable on the injury report, which means there’s a chance he’ll suit up and play as well. Onwenu is one of the best guards in the league and clearly the Patriots’ best offensive lineman, period.
#Patriots OG Michael Onwenu trending upward for Sunday, per source. Barring surprise, should be available. Team eased him back from ankle injury.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 16, 2023
The timing of Onwenu’s potential return couldn’t have been better considering the Patriots will be facing a Dolphins defense that showed serious vulnerabilities in stopping the run in Week 1.
They gave up a whopping 233 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Los Angeles Chargers. That should mean plenty of work for Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott. Onwenu and Strange potentially being back to lead the way as blockers could be game-changing for New England.
