The New England Patriots continue to have a dilemma at the center position ever since David Andrews suffered a season-ending torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder during Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. Since then, the Patriots have had to count on two interior offensive linemen to replace Andrews in the starting lineup. Nick Leverett got the first crack at center, filling in for the remainder of Week 4 and starting Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for Leverett, as the team released him ahead of Week 7.
Also Read: New England Patriots: Suddenly Release Veteran Offensive Lineman Ahead of Week 7
The New England Patriots’ third option at center has struggled
The Patriots signed Ben Brown off the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad in early October. Since then, Brown has taken over as the starting center, starting the past eight games (Week 6-13). Unfortunately, the newcomer has struggled to fill in the void, surrendering 12 pressures, six hurries, two QB hits, and four sacks allowed, with a 54.0 pass block, a 53.0 run block, and a 49.7 overall PFF grade. He ranks 36th in pass blocking, 38th in run blocking, and 43 in overall grade among 43 qualified centers who have played a minimum of 20% of offensive snaps h/t PFF.
The good news is help is on the way.
The New England Patriots activated a key offensive starter
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Patriots activated Cole Strange (recovering from a torn patellar tendon) off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The team designated Strange for a return nearly three weeks ago on Wednesday, November 20. Tomorrow marked the final day for them to activate him off the PUP list, or else he would revert to season-ending injured reserve.
Patriots are activating Cole Strange from reserve/pup, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2024
Where will he play on the offensive line?
Assuming Cole Strange is active for Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals, he will either play left guard or center. Strange has predominately played at left guard in his first two seasons in the National Football League but has some (very little) experience at center. He saw playing time at center during the Senior Bowl and has since practiced there during practice after being designated to return. Michael Jordan started 11 games at left guard, while Sidy Sow for Week 6, and Layden Robinson for Week 13.
Either way, he would be a clear upgrade over Robinson and Brown.
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