Onwenu has not played the position since 2021.
The New England Patriots offensive line looks set for another shakeup entering Week 10 — one that would include moving Mike Onwenu to left guard.
After signing a three-year, $57 million extension with the team this offseason, Onwenu has spent his time bouncing back-and-forth between right guard (241 snaps) and right tackle (329). With recent struggles along the interior to his left, a new combination debuted in practice this week that featured Onwenu at left guard with rookie Layden Robinson back at right guard.
Assuming the practice lineup holds heading into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, it would mark the ninth offensive line combination New England has started in 10 games this season.
“Sure, there is a concern on that,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said on Thursday when asked if they could be moving Onwenu’s position too much. “Continuity would be great, we’re just not — we don’t have that luxury right now. Mike’s our best offensive lineman, so we’re gonna put him where he can be successful for us as well. He’s been very vesartile. We’ll see what happens for this week but I feel really good about Mike’s play.
“He needs to be available wherever he needs to be. If he plays left guard, he plays right guard, he plays right tackle, again, he’s our best offensive lineman — we’re gonna put him at an area we need him.”
Left guard is not totally new to Onwenu, who started his first game at the position in 2020 before starting the first four games of the 2021 season at left guard before reverting to the bench.
Over the last three seasons, however, Onwenu has strictly played along the right side as he told reporters on Thursday that this week marked the first time he’s practiced left guard since 2021.
“It hasn’t really been affecting me that much. But just in terms of style of play, it could be better. Lot of moving parts,” Onwenu said. “It can change how you play, change how you go about getting into blocks. Obviously I’m more comfortable on the right side, I’m used to doing that. But with practice comes reps, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
No matter where he aligns on Sunday, Onwenu’s primary focus will be on his level of play — which he believes has not been up to his typical standard this season. Getting back on track will begin with more dominant plays.
“I’m not really happy with how the season has gone for me personally. I definitely think I can play better and be a better player all-around,” Onwenu said. “Just my whole game, for real. Just feel like I haven’t been as dominant as I’m used to being.
“Some of it could be the [position] movement. Some of it could just be mental. Just looking forward to putting better film on tape.”