6 rings: Michael Onwenu is on the field as the Patriots wrap up Training Camp practices for 2023
Let’s not bury the lede. The Patriots got a major return on Wednesday as interior offensive lineman Mike Onwenu came off of the PUP list and returned to practice. The guard has been recovering from offseason ankle surgery and with the regular season over three weeks away, looks to be gearing up for week one.
Outside of this major addition, here’s everything else that stood out from the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium on Wednesday:
Notes and Storylines: Offense
- Rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas was once again a limited participant at practice, spending a majority of his time on the conditioning field. This conrtinues to be something to monitor.
- Pierre Strong Jr., who is in concussion protocol, shed his red non-contact jersey and was a participant in practice on Wedneday.
- Rookie wide receiver Kayshon Boutte continues to string together quality practices. The former LSU wide receiver can become a roster lock with a solid performance against the Titans on Friday.
- Ezekiel Elliott, after speaking of the running backs importance in the New England offense on Tuesday, was involved on Wednesday and looks ready to go despite not having much time to gear up since his signing.
- Mac Jones’ favorite target Hunter Henry went down with what looked like a leg injury. He was slow to get up but ended up waving off trainers.
- Anthony Firkser steamed off the line and beat Jabrill Peppers on an out route for a long gain. Tight ends coach Will Lawing loved it. Gave him a huge high five.
- DeVante Parker had yet another highlight reel touchdown catch from Mac Jones, a high-point snag over Myles Bryant in the corner of the end zone.
- Bailey Zappe threw a beautiful ball to Thyrick Pitts in the back of the endzone with Marte Mapu in coverage.
- Kendrick Bourne was awesome on Wednesday, making two great catches on deep crossers from Jones during a team period.
- The offense is going to be multiple. While we’re not allowed to report on strategy, it’s something to be excited about if the offensive line can hold up. A big if.
Notes and Storylines: Defense
- DT Marquan McCall, who the Patriots claimed off waivers on Tuesday, was not at practice and ended up failing his physical with the team. New England’s roster is back down to 89 players.
- Speaking of defensive tackles, Carl Davis made his way to the conditioning field a half hour into practice. You wonder if that’s why they tried brining McCall in.
- Jack Jones and Christian Gonzalez both repped at boundary cornerback today as Jonathan Jones was once again absent.
- Defensive back Jalen Mills was at practice and a full participant after appearing to injure his right foot on Tuesday.
- Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise blew through tackle Trent Brown during a team period. A full on bull rush pancake. New England’s entire defensive front had a great practice.
Notes and Storylines: Special teams
- During scout team punt, Kayshon Boutte muffed a punt. Thought this was a “down arrow”, the former LSU Tiger saw plenty of action across all special teams. A sign they’re trying to find a roster spot for him.
- The Bryce Baringer booms were back. The rookie punter is cleary P1 (I’m making that a thing).
- As for kickers, after Chad Ryland’s poor day on Tuesday, veteran Nick Folk followed it up with a poor showing on Wednesday. He was 6 of 9 kicking with three bad misses.
Wrap-Up and Takeaways
Today was what looked to be a final prep period before Friday’s game in a longer, but again speedwalk through style session.
The Patriots now head to Nashville on Thursday before their final preseason game against the Titans on Friday, which will kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST. We’ll have you covered for that, as well as roster cuts coming up next Tuesday at 4 p.m. here at WEEI.com and on the 6 Rings and Football Things podcast.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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