New England Patriots offensive lineman Greg Van Roten will start at right guard for the team in Week 3, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, via Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller. The veteran interior offensive lineman will step into the lineup with Mike Onwenu currently out with an ankle injury.
Onwenu suffered a broken right ankle during the Patriots’ Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran guard was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four weeks. Before getting injured, Onwenu had appeared in the first two games of the season, playing 86 offensive snaps while allowing two pressures and no sacks in pass protection.
New England considered Van Roten, Ben Brown and Walter Rouse for the vacant right guard
job during the week. Brown returned to the mix after dealing with an injury of his own, while Rouse received work at guard as an experienced veteran lineman.
Van Roten emerges as the top option after replacing Onwenu during the Pittsburgh game. He has played in two games this season and logged 40 offensive snaps. Overall, he has appeared in 146 games with 105 starts under his belt.
He has allowed two pressures without surrendering a sack, giving the Patriots a steady veteran presence as they adjust to Onwenu’s absence.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel announces new Patriots starter to replace Mike Onwenu
