Patriots OL Coach Reveals Onwenu Update

New England Patriots offensive guard Michael Onwenu is eyeing a return to the field after undergoing offseason ankle surgery.

FOXBORO — Though New England Patriots offensive lineman Michael Onwenu has yet to participate in a training camp practice, he remains squarely focused on preparing for his return to the field. 

As he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, Onwenu has been a fixture in the Pats team meeting rooms — learning new concepts while sharpening his cerebral skills under new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. In fact, Klemm has been so impressed by his pupil’s aptitude, he shared some insight on Onwenu’s current daily routine.

“He’s working hard at the same point every singe day,” Klemm told reporters via video conference on Friday. “He’s at the same point as everyone else intellectually. Keeping up with everything we’re installing … he’s here everyday as if he’s playing.”

Known as one of New England’s top offenisve linemen, Onwenu’s return is both highly anticipated and much needed. The unit has collectively and significantly struggled in providing protection in his absence. Throughout camp, the first-team line has seen tackles Riley Reiff and Sidy Sow and guards Atonio Mafi, Kody Russey and Bill Murray receive their respective chances to fill Onwenu’s shoes. While each of the aforementioned players have shown signs of promise throughout training camp, they have struggled to maintain their positioning. As a result, opposing defensive isve linemen have routinely made quick work of their o-line counterparts. 

So, when will Onwenu be ready to make his return? While stopping short of offering a timetable, Klemm intimated that he will be well-equipped when he does. 

“Whenever the time comes, he will be ready to go.” Klemm said.  

Since joining the Patriots as a sixth-round draft selection (No. 187) in 2020, Onwenu has been one of the Patriots most durable offensive linemen. The Michigan product nearly played every offensive snap for New England in 2022, until suffering his injury in the fourth quarter of the the Pats’ 35-23 season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo defensive lineman DaQuan Jones landed on the back of Owenu’s legs, causing him to miss his only six snaps of the season. He missed the entirety of the Patriots offseason workout program and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) prior to the start of training camp. 

With Onwenu’s rookie contract set to expire at season’s end, he is expected to command a hefty salary on the open market. At nearly 6-3, 350, he is a massive lineman with excellent length. At his best, the Pats guard has shown a consistent and impressive ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game, while anchoring well to protecting the passer. It is a rare occasion on which he is easily bypassed on a pass block.

Onwenu was a highly-touted right guard during his time at the University of Michigan. In spite of trying his hand at both right tackle, and left guard during his two-plus years with the Pats, the 25-year-old has found his niche at his current positions, much to the satisfaction of his head coach.

"That's what we've tried to do since we drafted him,” coach Bill Belichick said. “That's where we'd like to play him, for sure." he’s built to play guard, he’s comfortable playing guard, he’s got a really good skill set there.”

In light of the Patriots numerous offenisve line struggles, the prospect of moving Onwenu back to right tackle has been speculated as of late by both the fans and media. After all, Onwenu played over 600 snaps at right tackle during his rookie season in 2020. Despite starting 2021 as their starting left guard, he played 276 snaps at right tackle, as well.

Though the additions of Reiff and Calvin Anderson [who remains on the non-football injury list] have seemingly made it more likely to keep him at guard, the team’s recent struggles along the right side may be enough for New England to at least consider the possibility of a positional switch — even as a temporary measure. 

Though such a move may be unlikely, Onwenu’s versatility and knowledge of New England’s system will undoubtedly enhance the performance of the entire line, no matter where he may align.   

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