New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reacts in the seond half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots: Reveal Mike Onwenu's Replacement for Week 3 1
The (1-1) New England Patriots play against the (1-1) Jacksonville Jaguars on the road at EverBank Stadium in Week 3 of the regular season. One interesting storyline surrounding Sunday’s contest is who will replace Mike Onwenu, who suffered a season-ending broken ankle against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The three candidates include Greg Van Roten, Ben Brown, and Caleb Lomu. Van Roten currently has the most experience, having started 105 games, while Brown has started 14, and Lomu has not played guard since high school and a few professional practices.
The New England Patriots reveal Mike Onwenu’s replacement for Week 3
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Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants guard Greg Van Roten (74) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (59) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
During Friday’s press conference, Mike Vrabel revealed that the Patriots are starting Greg Van Roten at right guard for Week 3, as reported by Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald. As a result, Van Roten, who filled in for the remainder of Week 2, is first in line to replace Mike Onwenu. New England is prioritizing experience rather than giving an inexperienced player like Caleb Lomu a shot at a new position.
The Patriots are starting Greg Van Roten at right guard on Sunday.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 25, 2026
Fans react to the news
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesJan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Great move picking him up. He’s a solid backup. It’s unfortunate that he’s not that great, but good lineman don’t exactly grow on trees. This line will struggle without onwenu.
— kmax (@AlpsSkiHero) September 25, 2026
The right choice
— An Expert Pats Fan (@Acasualpatsfan) September 25, 2026
Van roten for now, hopefully one of the other too soon with some more practice at Rg.
— kmax (@AlpsSkiHero) September 25, 2026
Van Roten has experience but was not good vs Pittsburgh. The one that has more experience in the system and deserves a shot is Ben Brown. He may actually be simply the best of the group regardless
— Coach F. Cugusi 🏈 (@lilGoosy) September 25, 2026
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