FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots got a boost in one of their weakest areas this week when offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka was activated from the suspended list.
Ojinnaka, who was acquired Aug. 23 from the Falcons, can play four positions along the line, where depth has become a major issue due to Logan Mankins' holdout and Nick Kaczur's back injury.
Before returning to practice this week, Ojinnaka exclusively took snaps at right tackle for the Patriots. If Sebastian Vollmer ever went down — or if Vollmer moved to the left side because of a Matt Light injury — Ojinnaka would be the first man in, at least until Kaczur returns.
But, Ojinnaka has also played left tackle, left guard and right guard in games, so he's well-versed across the board. He's even taken some practice snaps at center, but dismissed his ability at that position.
"The more you can do, that’s going to enhance your ability to get on the field," Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said. "He’s going to be given his opportunities, but he’s been a versatile guy and he’s got some experience. That’s why we have him here in the program."
Ojinnaka was suspended by the NFL because of a 2009 domestic dispute, so he couldn’t practice last week, either. He passed the time by working out at a local gym and moving his family into the area. The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder also made sure to get his cable hooked up in time to watch the Patriots beat the Bengals.
And now, whether Ojinnaka plays Sunday or not, he's at least relieved to put his suspension in the past and have an opportunity to take on the Jets.
"I'm definitely excited," Ojinnaka said. "This is something that’s been on my shoulder for a long time, and I'm just happy to get it over with and actually concentrate on football, not this one-game suspension. Now, my 100 percent focus is on football."
