The Patriots hoped their offseason addition would strengthen the right tackle position, but injuries have limited his playtime. Despite activating Riley Reiff from injured reserve once this year, the Patriots are designating him for return again, as reported by ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss.
Veteran OL Riley Reiff (knee) has returned to practice, indicating that the team is starting his clock on a (second) return from IR.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 15, 2023
Reiff was activated in October after initially being placed on IR before the season due to a leg injury. A new knee injury, distinct from the prior ailment, led to his return to IR two weeks later. Despite the bye week, Reiff became eligible to rejoin practice after Week 10. It appears the 34-year-old lineman may return to the Patriots’ active roster soon.
Signing a one-year, $5 million contract this offseason, Reiff, a former Bears swingman, transitioned to the starting right tackle role. Despite rumors of a bigger move, the Patriots strategically signed Reiff and made lower-profile investments to fortify the position. The team shifted guard Michael Onwenu to right tackle, adding anticipation to Reiff’s return.
Onwenu, initially a sixth-round pick, gained experience at right tackle but started the last two seasons as a guard. Belichick confirmed Onwenu will stay at right tackle, while Reiff showcased versatility by playing guard in Week 5. Reiff, primarily a tackle, may find another opportunity at guard if Onwenu remains at right tackle.
Approaching his 35th birthday, Reiff, in his 12th season, boasts an impressive record, starting in 149 games for various teams. Last year’s season-ending injury disrupted his Super Bowl aspirations with the Bengals, breaking a streak of never playing fewer than 12 games in a season. Unfortunately, two injured reserve stints this season mark the end of that remarkable streak.
