The New England Patriots placed their former 1st-round pick, Cole Strange, on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the 2024 season to continue rehabbing from last season’s torn patellar tendon in Week 15. Since then, Strange has yet to practice or play in 2024 as the Patriots’ offensive line unit continues to struggle and consistently ranks last in PFF’s O-Line rankings week to week. The O-line would benefit from him returning to the starting lineup.
Also Read: New England Patriots: Placed 2 Offensive Starters on PUP List
The good news is he’s inching closer to a return.
The New England Patriots revealed encouraging news
Jerod Mayo told reporters during Wednesday’s press conference that Cole Strange will practice today and go through individual drills. Mayo called Strange’s return “exciting” and praised him for his hard work in rehabbing from a significant knee injury. He also said they would take it day by day.
“Cole Strange will return to practice today, which is exciting,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo announced on Wednesday. “It’s not just about him getting back out there, but understanding the journey he has taken to even get to this point… It takes time going through rehab and all those things. It’s been a long time for Cole, but again we’re excited to have him out there.
“We just gotta take it day-by-day,” Mayo said. “It’ll be his first time out there, so we’re just going to take it one day at a time.”
As a result, the Patriots have opened Strange’s practice window, allowing him to practice before he can return to the active roster. They will have 21 days to activate him from the PUP list or he will revert to season-ending injured reserve.
What position will he play upon returning?
Jerod Mayo didn’t announce which position Cole Strange will play once he returns to the starting lineup, but he can line up at two positions along the offensive line. The first option is his natural position, left guard. Michael Jordan started ten games at left guard in 2024, but the experiment hasn’t worked out since he ranks 76 out of 81 qualified guards who have played at least 25% of snaps, according to PFF.
The second option is at center. Although Strange has never played a snap at center in the NFL, he did play there during the Senior Bowl and David Andrews has helped him learn the center position while on injured reserve. Ben Brown has taken over as the starting center but ranks last in terms of PFF grades.
Either way, Cole Strange would be an instant upgrade at either position. What position will he play upon returning?
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