New England Patriots offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor returned to practice on Wednesday, designating him to return from injured reserve. The Patriots now have a 21-day window to activate their starting right tackle to the active 53-man roster or he will be lost for the season.
The team has returned all designated players this season with the exception of Beau Allen, who will spend the rest of the year on IR. The team designated Sony Michel last Thursday.
Eluemunor was placed on injured reserve back on October 21st, following the Patriots’ loss to the Denver Broncos where he sustained an ankle injury. Following his move to IR, Eluemunor eluded that he would be back for New England’s Week 10 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, his former team:
I won’t miss THAT Game...Bet on it
— Jermaine Eluemunor (@TheMainShow_) October 21, 2020
That game against Baltimore, takes place on Sunday night and Eluemunor being back at practice indicates that there is a chance he might be ready to participate.
Since Eluemunor’s trip to injured reserve, rookie Michael Onwenu has taken over for him, making for an easy transition. The sixth-round pick has earned praise for his play throughout the league as he’s been more than solid for the Patriots. His 90.4 grade from Pro Football Focus is tops among all NFL rookies. Perhaps if he does return and Onwenu keeps the starting spot, Eluemunor would be slotted into the swing tackle/blocking tight end role that Korey Cunningham has played over the last few weeks.
If/when Eluemunor does return to the active roster, a corresponding move would have to be made as it is currently filled to its 53-man capacity. Earlier this week, fellow sixth-round rookie Cassh Maluia was waived and third-round pick Dalton Keene was placed on IR to open spots for newcomers Isaiah Mack and Isaiah Ford.